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Kylie McMillan
Professor Joy McDonald
English 101-05
November 11, 2015
Senior Citizens and Driving
Lawrence D, Eric. When Should Elderly People Stop Driving. usatoday.com. USAToday. 20
January, 2014. Web. 25 October, 2015
Lawrence interviewed a senior citizen name Jim Bassett. Jim has a strong view on whether or not
senior citizens should be able to drive or not. He felt that if you are 65 and older and youre
capable of driving, then you should be able to drive. In the article, it says that by 2030 85%-90%
of Americans will be licensed drivers at the age of 65 and older. It also gives us personal stories
that helps persuade the audience on whether or not senior citizens should drive. A spokesperson
for Michigan State from AAA, stressed that the number of senior citizens crashing was a small
percentage (8.3%) in 2009. He believes the reason is he feels that a large number of senior
citizens self-police themselves. The senior citizens are cautious about the conditions they should
drive in. This article is relevant because, it helps show whether or not its safe for senior citizens
to drive.
Siuru, Bill. "Driving Beyond 65." Mechanical Engineering 112.12 (1990): 42. ProQuest. Web. 12
Nov. 2015.
Contributing Editor of Mechanical Engineering Bill Siuru, discussed the situations that are
considered problematic for senior citizens. Along with discussing the issues, he discussed the
solutions that were either prototyped or were in the process of being released to the public. In the

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article the first main point, is senior citizens are prone to having slow reaction times, decreased
motor skills, and impaired eyesight. Studies show that yellow, orange, and white displays are
easier to read, then dark colors such as black and blue. One solution that has made a positive
impact on safety driving is the head-up display (HUD). The head up display projects certain
information like warning lights, fuel gage, and the speedometer within the drivers view. This
helps the driver avoid looking anywhere, but the direction theyre driving. Other solutions like
thermal imaging, navigation systems, and Antilock-braking systems will help not only senior
citizens with driving, but drivers with impairments. This source was relevant to my topic,
because it discussed the solutions to that can help senior citizens when it comes to driving.
Yassuda, Monica S.Wilson, Jennifer J. "Driving Cesssation: The Perspective of Senior Drivers."
Educational Gerontology 23.6 (1997): 525. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection.
Web. 12 Nov. 2015.
Wilson and Yassunda realized there was a problem with senior citizens driving. For instance
theyre decreasing motor and sensory functions. There was research that suggested, motor
vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for senior citizens ages 65-74 years old. During
their case study, they got the views from senior citizens about the cessation of driving for people
who are 65+. 59 participants ranging from 62 to 94, 70% of them being women and 81% of them
being drivers were asked a series of questions. Most of the participants who were drivers, felt
that driving cessation wasnt necessary. They were adamant about driver education so that it
could extend safe driving. It also helped the drivers be more independent, because being able to
drive lessened the need to depend on others and other mode of transportation. As long as their
educated and tested frequently, there should be no need to cease driving for senior citizens. This

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journal is relevant, because it shows the issues of not driving as a senior citizen from the senior
citizen stand point.
Older Drivers: License Renewal Procedures.iihs.org. iihs. October 2015. Web. 25 October,
2015
This source discusses the license renewal procedures in the United States. In 18 of the 50 states
the renewal periods are shorter because they require more visual screenings for senior citizens.
They are also allowed to renew their license by mail or online. Other states dont necessarily
agree, 15 states including the District of Columbia only senior citizens to renew their license
through mail. The District of Columbia also requires a physicians approval for drivers who 70
years old and older. Maryland and Illinois require special test for drivers who are 70 and up. It is
the licensing agencies right to require physical and cognitive testing, if the renewal applicant is
of older age, has a certain number of crashes, and health history is questionable. This source is
relevant, because it educates the reader that the license renewal for senior citizens may or may
not be easy.
Senior Citizens Get Driving Rehab. ABC News. Online Video Clip. Youtube. Youtube.
September 21, 2009. November 11, 2015.
ABC news did a segment on senior citizens get driving rehab. In 2009 out of 20 million drivers
in the US, senior citizen collision rates was second to teenagers. They showed interest in this
lady name Doris Clay. Doris Clay is an 89 year old who has early set Alzheimers disease. Her
Stepdaughter pressured her to go driving rehabilitation, because Doris was against driving. She
wanted to have a sense of independence. She had to go a driver rehabilitation therapist, who is
an occupational therapist who specializes in senior citizens and driving. During rehabilitation,

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the driver rehabilitation therapist gave Doris a series of different test like depth perception,
peripheral vision, color vision, sign recognition, and reaction times. Due to Doris having
Alzheimers she didnt do well on the tests she was given. Therefore, she was advised to have
someone drive her around. This video is relevant, because again it shows the audience what
lengths senior citizens have to go through to ensure safety driving.