July 11, 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WSAZ) -- A new report says we need new ways to gently, but definitively, determine when a driver needs to hand in their license.
There is concern about what's going to happen when millions of baby boomers start driving over the age of 65.
Traffic safety experts say it's important, because our licensing system isn't set up to weed out those who may need to think about handing in the keys.
Katherine Cofer has had a perfect driving record for over 50 years: no accidents, no tickets and she's never even been stopped by a cop.
"I think when I reach that age when I don't feel comfortable driving, when I feel my reflexes aren't good enough to drive, then I think it's time to quit," explained Cofer.
When to quit is a tough choice that safety experts are urging older drivers to think about before it happens.
"What can we do so that they still retain their independence, their lifestyle, their freedom, even if they can't drive," said Neil Schuster of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
The AAA foundation reports in the next two decades, one in four drivers will be over 65.
Right now, there's not enough alternate transit to handle them.
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