Motor vehicle injury prevention for older adults

Older adults account for more than 20% of the driving population in the United States today and their numbers are increasing. The risk for traffic injury increases significantly for people over 70 years of age. The reasons for the increase in risk are multiple, complex, and individual. Age alone does not define a person. Certain physical age-related changes, such as decline in visual acuity and a slowed neurological response will influence driving skill. Health practitioners need to recognize the older adult at risk, counsel the patient and family members and plan a program of effective interventions.