Driving Ability

Many characteristics work together to contribute to a person's ability to drive safely. Physical capacity, mental acuity and competency, adequate reaction time, and appropriate skills are only a few of the abilities that must be considered when evaluating driving ability. Chronological age alone is not an appropriate predictor of how someone will function behind the wheel. Most older drivers are safe drivers, and they choose to drive when they are most capable. Moreover, the important role of driving to an older person's independence and quality of life makes the issue of driving ability, relicensing, and the search for viable alternatives to the car (when driving may no longer a choice) a critical and enduring challenge for an aging society.