As many as 9 out of 10 senior motorists above the age of 65 are still driving. That is a hefty percentage of senior drivers who are still riding on Los Angeles streets. According to a survey by the American Automobile Association, however, many seniors are in favor of stronger driving safety laws that would subject them to greater scrutiny.
According to the study, 80 percent of the 65- and- above population are still behind the wheel. Approximately 84% of Americans of the same age currently hold a valid driver’s license. Back in the 1970s, that percentage of licensed motorists in this category was only about 50%. Seniors are now mobile, and are more likely to continue to drive well into their 70s.
The general thinking has been that seniors are very protective of their driving privileges, and resist any attempt to impose restrictions on their driving abilities. A new study by the American Automobile Association however finds that seniors are actually ardent supporters of tougher driving laws that would place them under greater scrutiny. They are in favor of tougher driving laws for all motorists, including motorists in their age group.
About 70% of the seniors in the survey reported that they supported medical screening and medical tests before license renewals or senior drivers. They also supported license renewals for senior drivers in person.
Other studies have also indicated to Los Angeles car accident lawyers that seniors are very good at self-policing themselves. Your loved one is possibly very aware of his diminishing driving abilities, and is taking steps to prevent the risk of an accident by cutting down on driving at night, and avoiding busy routes. If however, you find that your loved one is frequently returning home late after driving, or see dents or scratches on the car, then it might be time for you to consider restrictions on your loved one’s driving privileges.
