The aging U.S. population raises new questions about how to approach keeping drivers safe behind the wheel.

Summary

At 85, Vonciel Gray decided to stop driving after a stressful experience, joining millions of older Americans facing a loss of independence. Her son, Kurt, a traffic safety expert, helps families navigate the difficult conversation about when to stop driving.

With an aging population, experts warn of a “mobility gap” as older adults seek alternatives to driving.

Joseph Coughlin’s MIT Age Lab explores how vehicle technology can aid or distract older drivers, yet acknowledges that tech can’t always replace the need for older adults to relinquish their keys for safety.

    • Pyr_Pressure
      155·
      2 months ago

      Then what’s the issue? If he doesn’t then the person living with him should be doing the driving.

      Unless they are also elderly and unable to drive safely. Then they should both be selling the farm and moving somewhere closer to town/services.

      • catloaf@lemm.eeEnglish
        5·
        2 months ago

        Nobody likes to sell the farm. But there’s got to be someone there to take care of it and him. If there isn’t, then yeah, sell the farm and he gets to move in with someone who can care for him, either family or an elderly care facility. (And you really don’t want your family in a care facility.)