Drivers over 65 years of age have a higher fatal crash rate (per mile driven) than every age group except for teens.

The effects of aging include a declining ability to (1) quickly recognize a rapidly developing hazard, (2) plan the most appropriate evasive action, and (3) perform it in time to avoid a crash.   That is, besides the well-known age-related sensory declines (and slowing of reaction time), a decline of these cognitive functions needed to avoid a crash may be most problematic. Indeed, these abilities are highly dependent on an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, which shows age-related functional declines beginning in middle age!!

A hidden threat to traffic safety?

Because a decline in prefrontal cortex function begins long before other effects of aging, the resulting elevation in crash risk is "hidden" to all but those who have clinical signs of frontal lobe dysfunction. The danger however remains, as only a very brief delay in responding to a hazard can spell the difference between life and death. Normally, one can spare a second or two, but it is in the most dangerous and complex situations that an inability to make a split-second decision can be deadly!

How can near-miss reports reveal an age-related problem?

All else being equal, an increasing frequency of near misses may be your first reg flag. Frequent close calls in complex situations such as making a left turn at a busy intersection, which place a high demand on prefrontal cortex function, also suggests an age-related deficiency. Here, the best plan is to avoid the driving situations with which you are having difficulty.

You may also find that near misses occur mostly at night, suggesting a night vision problem.   A depth perception problem may cause frequent near misses in which you almost cause a rear-end collision. If you realize that fatigue is an issue in your near misses, make sure that the effect of any medication you are taking is not the problem. Doctor-confirmed problems with vision or hearing can be addressed with conventional means. Medications that cause drowsiness can be changed.

But wait, there IS something you can do before its too late: Make sure your prefrontal cortex gets a good workout every time you drive!

It is known that keeping the brain active delays age-related cognitive decline, so stop being a "couch potato" when cruising down the freeway! The best way to do so was related to me by Gordon Booth, chief instructor at DRIVETRAIN USA. He has his students drive for long periods of time while producing a continuous verbal description of both their own driving decisions and the specific actions of all other drivers around them, for example, noting speed, lane changes, etc. During this extended monologue, they include what they expect of other drivers, and how they would respond to stay safe with each possible contingency. This exercise, when performed regularly at any age, will build a habit of defensive driving that can occur without thinking, while at the same time "re-wiring" the prefrontal cortex so that you will be better able to quickly and accurately respond to a rapidly developing hazard.

The result can be a reduction in crash risk along with the added confidence and skill that will keep you safely behind the wheel for as long as the rest of your faculties allow. ;-)

P.S.,

Prefrontal cortex function can be improved by regularly joining your children (and grandchildren) in playing their car racing video games!