What is the Average Age for Seniors to Stop Driving?

By Amir

What is the Average Age for Seniors to Stop Driving?

As we age, the ability to drive safely can become more challenging. If you're curious about when seniors should stop driving, it’s essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every individual ages differently, and determining when it’s time to stop driving should be based on the driver’s abilities rather than their age alone.

In this blog, we'll explore the average age seniors tend to stop driving, signs that it might be time to give up driving, and tips for transitioning away from the driver's seat.

Table of Contents

What is the Average Age for Seniors to Stop Driving?

Senior Driving Statistics Worth Considering

According to AAA and other sources, there are some key statistics to keep in mind regarding senior driving:

Drivers over 75 are more likely to be involved in car accidents than drivers aged 35-54.
Older drivers have higher fatality rates in crashes due to increased physical frailty.
8 out of 10 seniors in their 70s have arthritis, which can make it painful to turn, twist, or flex while driving.
In 2014, nearly 6,000 senior drivers were killed in traffic accidents.
In more than half (58%) of fatal accidents involving senior drivers, the drivers were found to be responsible for their own deaths.
Over 75% of seniors take medications, but only 1 in 3 understands how those medications affect their driving abilities.
Physical limitations, such as difficulty gripping the steering wheel, using pedals, or turning to check blind spots, become more common with age.

When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

There is no exact age at which seniors should stop driving, as aging affects everyone differently. Some people may feel comfortable driving well into their 90s, while others may need to stop much earlier. However, it’s recommended that seniors start considering alternatives to driving once they reach around 85 years old, even if they still feel fit to drive.

The decision should ultimately be based on driving performance rather than age alone.

Signs It May Be Time to Stop Driving

Here are some key signs that seniors should consider driving less or stopping altogether:

Difficulty reading traffic signals or recognizing road signs.
Driving either too fast or too slow for road conditions.
A loss of confidence behind the wheel.
Sideswiping other cars or being involved in minor accidents more frequently.
Getting lost in familiar areas and needing GPS or help from family members to find your way.
Friends and family express concern about your driving.
Experiencing old-age conditions like dementia, which affect judgment and reaction times.
Frequent tailgating or forgetting to signal when changing lanes.

Renewal Guidelines for Elderly Drivers in New York

In New York, there are no special rules for elderly drivers when it comes to renewing a driver’s license. Licenses must be renewed every eight years, and the renewal process can be completed online, by mail, or in person. However, all drivers must submit proof of adequate vision.

There are two ways to satisfy the vision requirement:

Vision test with a DMV-listed provider who submits the results electronically.
Submit a Vision Test Report from a qualified medical professional (e.g., physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist).

Potential License Restrictions for Seniors

After an evaluation, the New York DMV may place certain restrictions on a senior's driver’s license. Common restrictions include:

Wearing glasses or corrective lenses while driving.
Driving only during daylight hours.
Using hearing aids while driving.
Avoiding highways with on-ramps and off-ramps.
Special equipment like pedal extensions or hand-operated controls for safe driving.

Requesting an Investigation for an Unsafe Driver

If you’re concerned about the safety of an elderly driver in New York, you can submit a form to the DMV requesting a driving assessment. This request can come from a concerned family member, police officer, or physician. If the DMV deems it necessary, the driver will be called in for an in-person evaluation.

I’m Aging But I Still Love Driving. What Should I Do?

For many seniors, driving represents independence, and giving it up can feel like a significant loss. If you're finding driving difficult but aren't ready to stop completely, here are some tips to continue driving safely:

Stick to familiar routes close to home.
Avoid driving at night or in bad weather.
Stay away from busy highways or expressways.
Keep distractions to a minimum avoid texting, using the phone, or engaging in deep conversations while driving.

What to Do After You Stop Driving

Once you decide to stop driving, it's important to have a plan for how to get around. Many seniors continue to live independent lives after they stop driving by relying on alternative transportation options such as:

Public transit or senior shuttles.
Asking friends or family for rides.
Utilizing ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Taking advantage of on-demand delivery services for groceries, prescriptions, and meals.
Finding local at-home service providers, like mobile hairdressers or healthcare providers.

How to Talk to a Loved One About Stopping Driving

If you’re worried about an elderly family member’s driving, it can be difficult to bring up the subject. Here are some tips for handling this delicate conversation:

Keep track of driving behaviors and make a list of specific concerns.
Offer alternatives to driving, like helping with transportation or arranging for a service.
Be empathetic and respectful this is a significant change for them.
Give them time to process and adjust to the idea.

Wrapping It Up

At some point, all drivers regardless of age will need to hang up their car keys for good. It's essential to recognize the signs that it's time to stop driving and embrace the transition to a new chapter of life with dignity. If you're a senior who wants to continue driving but feels a bit rusty, consider taking a refresher driving course at Drive Rite Academy.

We offer personalized lessons to help seniors refresh their driving skills and stay safe on the road. If you're looking to improve your driving or help a loved one stay safe, contact Drive Rite Academy today!

What is the Average Age for Seniors to Stop Driving?