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The Impact of Aging on Driving
Most people see a steady decline in some of the skills
important for driving as they get older. Starting at
around age 55 there often is a slow decrease in how
well we process information and recognize and judge
driving events. However, the changes of aging do
not affect all drivers at the same age or in the same
way. Specific skills such as vision, memory, strength,
flexibility, and quick reaction time decline as we age,
but how soon this happens can vary from person to
person.
Vision
The main sense you use in driving is vision. Visual
decline is the most important loss for aging drivers.
Aging eyes need:
r More light to help distinguish features along the
roadway.
r To be closer to properly read
signs and markings.
r More time to recover from the
glare of bright headlights at
night or the sun.
A vision test is required for all
drivers to renew a driver license
(if you have already used your
one-time renewal either online
or by mail). All drivers 80 years or
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