Study: How Many Elderly Drivers Are Unsafe?

A recent study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that up to 8.2 million seniors could be driving while cognitively impaired. 48 million licensed drivers are over 65, and about 17% of seniors experience a degree of cognitive impairment. “It is critical to have a health care system that appropriately evaluates and addresses driving safety among older adults,” researchers wrote. While allowing an impaired senior to drive could be dangerous, taking a license away prematurely could increase depression risk. Researchers recommended on-road observations of a patient’s driving. (Study Finds)