The shift in today’s workforce numbers are indicating that there’s an increase of older adults staying in the workforce instead of retiring. Statistics show that among the 65 and older, 18.5% are still working. Those numbers have created a safety challenge throughout the nation. Reason being, that senior motorists whom are traveling to and from work, will experience the age-related deterioration in their driving skills with vision, strength and cognitive abilities.
The rise in concern is stemmed from the fact that highway deaths are the leading cause of occupational fatalities and older workers have an even higher highway fatality rate of more than three times that of the average worker between the ages of 18 and 54. Now, unlike retirees who can delay their trips until driving conditions improve, older workers must often drive in poor conditions in order for them to be to work on time or meet a deadline, therefore increasing their driving risk.
However, states are starting to deal with this issue by having some older-age requirement for driver’s licenses, ranging from more vision testing to making seniors renew their licenses more frequently. But the age requirements are literally all over the map. Massachusetts requires drivers 75 years and older to renew in person and pass an eye exam or present proof of recent vision screening. But, they don’t require a driving test and most states do not. New Hampshire and Illinois are the only two states with this requirement. But, with an imminent surge in senior drivers, the federal government is proposing that all states take steps to address what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls “the real and growing problem of older driver safety.”
For a state by state look at “Driving Rules for Older Drivers” see link.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by outlining potential exposures and suggest solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you.
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