Most Older Drivers are Safe Drivers.
Most older drivers, or people over 65, are very safe drivers. Older drivers are more likely than younger drivers to use seat belts regularly and follow the rules of the road. Their years of experience in handling different road and traffic conditions are invaluable. But, as we age – and we are all aging – we may experience changes in vision, physical fitness, and reflexes which may cause safety concerns. We may be more likely to take medications that could impair our ability to drive safely.
People over 65 also have a higher likelihood of being injured or killed in a traffic crash, and the likelihood increases as we age. In 2021, almost 20% of deaths and 17% of injuries on our roadways were among people 65 and older (Vermont Agency of Transportation Data).
Luckily, there are ways we can stay safe on the roads as we get older. Learn more and find resources in the sections below.
