Elderly Drivers

An Age Old Problem In today’s society automobile accidents are an everyday occurrence. Mishaps can happen anywhere at any given time. In the past ten years accidents have averaged around ten million occurring for each year (US Census Bureau). That is 100 million automobile accidents in ten years. Most people would automatically point their fingers at young drivers in today’s world. A number of accidents are caused by teens though I believe a worse threat is starting to appear. This threat being elderly drivers over the age of 70. These elderly drivers could be considered dangerous due to their decline in sensory. With more elderly drivers increasing over the years, drivers everywhere could be in danger. Within the next 20 years the number of elderly drivers is expected to triple in the United States (Older Drivers). To combat this the solution is simple which is to make elderly drivers retake a driver course test. Elderly drivers are not only endangering others but also themselves by driving. The fatality rate for older people is nine times higher than that of younger individuals (Older Drivers). This fact alone should prevent the elderly from driving. Their frail bodies wont withstand as much as a younger person’s would. In 1995 seniors accounted for overall 13% of all traffic fatalities. Also contributing to 18% of all pedestrian fatalities in that year. The elderly themselves were 5% of all traffic accident fatalities in that year as well. Either being the ones who caused the accident or the ones caught in the accident (Older Drivers). Facts show that a good number of accidents involving seniors were actually caused by them. In a study conducted by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) it was shown that around 30% of accidents caused by turning left and being struck by an oncoming car (Older Drivers). Older drivers are a danger to themselves and others at the wheel. The danger these senior drivers can be blamed on the human body’s