Driver licensing for seniors in Alberta requires drivers at age 75, 80, and every two years after, to provide a medical report from a doctor to renew your driver’s licence. If your doctor feels a change in health might affect your ability to drive safely, a driving assessment can be requested at any age. Seniors are healthier and living longer than in the past. Many seniors are active and have the strength, skills and knowledge to continue to be safe drivers.
Statistics Canada has data from 2015 showing the number of licensed driver 65 years and older is 2,183,981. In comparison, driver in the 16-24 age group number 1,611,755. The total number of fatal collisions in 2015 for Canada was 1,669 and of that number of collisions, 1,858 people died. Breaking down the age group of the fatalities, there were 418 people 65 and over that died and 343 people between the ages 16-24 that died.
Statistics Canada in 2015 also indicates that in terms of driver percentages of the 1,858 deaths, 21.8% were 65 and over drivers. 18.6% of the 1,858 deaths were drivers aged 16-24. There is no evidence from this data that seniors cause significantly more accidents in Canada (the age grouping of 65 and over spans a greater number of people versus 16-24 age group) than youthful drivers.
It is the responsibility of every individual at any age to report any medical conditions that could hinder their driving ability, such as eye sight problems, hearing loss, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease or Dementia. Making wise decisions to avoid night driving, or long trips can extend your driving confidence.
Here is link to a pamphlet from Alberta Transportation. And let’s not forget the ongoing advancement of autonomous vehicles, which may make any argument as to which age group causes the most accidents a mute point! Drive safe!!
https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/content/docType45/Production/SeniorsPamphlet.pdf