Should Older Drivers Retire the Wheel? Balancing Safety and Independence

As lifespans lengthen and roads grow busier, a pressing debate emerges: How can we ensure aging drivers remain safe without stripping away their autonomy? While age alone doesn’t dictate driving skill, the physical and cognitive shifts that accompany aging—slower reflexes, diminished vision, or memory lapses—warrant thoughtful solutions. Let’s explore how societies can address this delicate balance.

Aging Isn’t the Enemy—Risk Factors Are

Many older drivers are remarkably cautious, avoiding highways, night driving, or inclement weather. Experience often makes them disciplined road users. Yet aging undeniably brings challenges:

• Physical changes: Stiff joints, reduced hearing, or vision decline can hinder quick responses.
• Cognitive shifts: Memory loss or early dementia may impair judgment.
• Medication impacts: Side effects like drowsiness or dizziness often go overlooked.

The key is not to generalize but to identify when individual capabilities no longer meet driving demands.

Global Approaches: Lessons from Abroad

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