Yet another physical condition
that affects driving skills is how old you are. It is
a fact that reflexes, eyesight, and numerous other physical
characteristics that are involved in driving simply deteriorate
with age.
55 and Older Drivers
Older
drivers need to compensate for these conditions. Slow
down, allow greater distance between your car and the
one in front, get your eyes checked annually, be sure
any medications you take do not cause drowsiness, etc.
The effects of aging on driving
skills was addressed recently in Texas. Effective September
1, 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law, known as
Katie’s Law, which requires drivers 85 and older
to pass a vision test in order to have a driving license
renewed, and that the license will only be valid for two
years rather than the standard six years. It also prohibits
the renewal of licenses electronically for drivers age
79 and older.
