The National Institute on Aging cites arthritis as one prevalent disease that has a negative impact on safe driving. Many ailments that commonly afflict the elderly compromise driving capabilities. Unfortunately, most people wait until after a car crash to consider the driving abilities of older adults, according to the American Automobile Association. in percentage of total population that is age 65 or older, Pennsylvania will be particularly impacted. The problem is likely to get worse because the older population in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that per mile driven, fatal crash rates increase noticeably starting at age 70 and are highest among drivers age 85 and older, largely due to the susceptibility to injury and medical complications of older drivers. The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle diminishes with age, and many children of senior drivers struggle with the decision to restrict a parent’s driving privileges.
