Age-Related Factors in Driving Safety

Accident and violation rates are higher for older and younger drivers. Causative or confounding variables studied in relation to this phenomenon have included experience, exposure rates, hazard miles driven, personality, sensory decrements, medical problems and inadequate socialization processes. The results suggest different processes at work for older versus young drivers resulting in higher accident rates at both ends of the age continuum. Strategies of prevention suggested include educational techniques and stricter testing and licensing standards.