Every one and half minutes, about 88 automobile accidents occur. It is unbelievable, 18 of them would be directly related to the elderly. Elderly drivers account for a nearly 19% of all automobile accidents. This number is staggering enough to have many people doubt the ability of the elderly seniors driving. As we age, our physical uses begin to decline. Many senior drivers don't realize that their eyesight, hearing and reflexes aren't as sharp as they used to be. The number of accidents and fatalities will continue to increase if there is no protection. Elderly seniors behind the wheels Is not only something that worries our communities but to the driver as well. Therefore it has become a great concern that elderly seniors (65yrs+) should be required to reevaluate their driver license annually.
According to the Census Bureau, the number of people 65 and older in the U.S will increase from 47.6 million in 2015 to 72.7 million in 2030. Of course, this means that there will be numerous of families with elderly seniors driving. Later a dilemma will be faced, telling an elderly relatives that they are no longer able to drive can be one of the most difficult conversations- even more for an adult child and their aging parent. Yes, the conversation can be devastating news to many but the consequences of not having the conversation will be even more devastating yet. Executive director of Agingcare.com, Richard Nix stated, "People have been driving their whole life and have trouble believing they're incapable of continuing. They feel like their independence has been taken away". Noticing scrapes on a parent's car or bumper, and noticing them honk more than they should be, might be signs. They might be signs that they should begin to be aware of their driving abilities. Elderly seniors are more likely to have serious health problems than middle age adults and adolescents. For example, medications can greatly impair their driving ability.
