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Reaction time, wayfinding, and even skin sensitivity are among the factors that change with age. But there are tools that can help.
ATLANTA — Many families worry about the moment an aging parent or relative may no longer be safe behind the wheel. While federal data show that drivers 65 and older don’t cause a disproportionate number of crashes, aging can still affect the crucial skills needed on the road.
A University of Georgia traffic safety expert says understanding those changes early can help prevent dangerous situations.
Physical changes can make driving harder
Lila Ralston, project coordinator for the Traffic Safety Research and Evaluation Group at UGA, says aging affects some of the most basic functions of driving.
“Most people will lose some muscle mass, strength, and range of motion,” Ralston said. “That affects things like how far you can turn your head to look behind you.”
Vision and reaction times can also diminish. Because of these changes, Georgia law requires drivers 64 and older to get a vision test at every license renewal.
Touchscreens can be harder to use as skin sensitivity changes with age, too.
When medical conditions increase the risk
Concerns grow when age‑related health conditions intersect with driving. Ralston says diabetes, for example, can directly affect pedal control. “Diabetes can damage your eyes,” she said. “Diabetic neuropathy can cause your hands and feet to be less sensitive. That can lead to things like mistaking the brake and the gas pedal.”
Earlier this month, an 83-year-old woman in Catoosa County accidentally did just that, crashing into six cars at a traffic light. Miraculously, everyone survived.
Processing changes is another warning sign — especially when someone gets lost in familiar areas. “For a person beginning to have cognitive issues, they may get confused and do something wacky,” Ralston explained. An example of this could be driving way out of the way when missing a turn.
It’s not all negative: decades behind the wheel give older drivers a unique advantage. Research shows they often assess risks better and drive more cautiously than younger drivers.
Resources for families and older drivers
There are several tools to help people drive safely as they age:
DPH.GEORGIA.GOV: Tips for talking to older family members about driving, plus a 55‑and‑over driving test
AARP safe‑driving courses: Many insurers offer discounts for completing them
MyCarDoesWhat.org: Easy guides for learning modern car features — helpful for all drivers, not just older ones.
Technology‑learning tools are just as useful for anyone adjusting to a new car or rental.
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