Elderly Vision And Driving: A Literature Review.

Purpose: Traffic fatalities in the United States totaled 42,636 in 2004. Much emphasis
has been placed on visual acuity and perception, especially for older drivers. This review
evaluates what factors are reliable predictors of driving ability in an older population.
Methods: A literature review of current studies and traffic fatality statistics. Results: Numerous factors limit an elder driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle.
However, many older drivers self regulate their driving by limiting their driving to daylight and short local drives. Current driving standards for aged drivers do not accurately assess driving ability. Conclusions: Due to the aging population in the United States, there is a need to develop testing that better evaluates a driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Current visual limitations on operator performance do not properly address this situation, and may limit drivers that could safely operate a motor vehicle. Many drivers with visual acuity worse than 20/40 are able to safely maintain vehicle control and can be safe, responsible drivers.