Risks Vary For Older Drivers: Experts Say Age, Ability are Separate Issues For Motorists.

As the population continues to age and the number of older drivers on the road increases, questions arise: How do you know when it's time to hang up the keys? And how do you start the discussion with an older family member?

Nationwide, 32 million drivers are 65 or older, representing about 15 percent of all licensed drivers. That number is projected to reach 57 million by 2030, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Motor vehicle crash deaths per capita begin to increase markedly starting at ages 70 to 74, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group that is funded by the insurance industry. Per mile traveled, fatal crash rates increase starting at age 75 and increase notably after age 80, the institute says.

Still, people age 65 and older accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities, the same percentage as the number of senior drivers, and 18 percent of all pedestrian fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis in Washington, D.C.

And there is evidence that older drivers are getting better at regulating themselves -- or that loved ones are convincing them to give up the keys.

The rate of fatal crashes involving drivers 70 and older dropped 37 percent between 1997 and 2008, according to "Contrary to Expectations," a report the insurance institute released in June. For drivers over 80, the fatal crash rate declined 47 percent, and the rate of nonfatal accidents also dropped for older drivers.

“It's Not About Age”

It's not about age, it's about health. The issue is about ability, your health conditions and your ability to drive, not your age. While there are some things that come with age, they don't hit everybody at the same time, and some people never experience them. It's really about health.

A cataract is a health issue, but in a way, so are addictions.

For those on the lookout, there are a number of warning signs that range from minor to serious. These behaviors can include riding the brake, being easily distracted, incorrect signaling, hitting curbs, not noticing traffic signs, having trouble navigating turns, not anticipating potentially dangerous situations, delayed responses, moving into the wrong lane, confusion at exits, getting lost in familiar places and confusing the gas and brake pedals.

Start a Conversation

It is important to talk about concerns with older drivers long before there is a crisis.

We encourage people to start talking about the future early and often -- How do you want to live when you get older, Mom? What do you think?' Part of that conversation then becomes WE need to figure out how you can get around if you have to hang up the keys, and what WE would do about that.

We encourage people to start thinking about those things early and researching them early, so that when it does come time to talk about hanging up the keys, it doesn't become an either/or situation or a struggle of wills.

Know the Options

Sometimes, people are unwilling to give up their driving privileges because they don't know how they will get around without their car.

America is a car-dependent society, and for those who live in a rural area, there often are not many alternatives to get around, that's why it becomes very important to have a plan in place for the time when you can no longer drive. It's very important for communities to take into account that their population is aging and will be staying on the roads because there are so few alternatives.

Know your Limits

For most County residents driving is a way of life, many seinors feel unsafe driving at night because they are not used to it. They then have to drive in the evening when it is dark, and realize if you don't use it, you lose it.