What you should know

Fact: There are nearly 25 million people age 70 years and older in the United States.

• This age group makes up approximately 9 percent of the total U.S. Population but accounts for close to 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and around 18 percent of all pedestrian deaths annually.

• Death rates per vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are four times the 30-59 year old age group. Older drivers do not crash more, but they are more likely to die from crash injuries.

• Older Americans, age 70+, are a growing segment of the country's residents. In the past 10 years, this segment of the population grew twice as fast as the total population.

• There is a need to help aging individuals recognize their changing abilities and adapt their driving and walking practices appropriately, as well as a necessity to identify, assess, and regulate older drivers with diminishing abilities who cannot or will not voluntarily adapt their driving habits.

Illinois:  Renewal applicants 75 and older must take a road test.  Drivers ages 81-86 must renew their drivers license every two years. Drivers 87 and older must renew their license on an annually.

Indiana:  Indiana drivers age 75 and older must renew their drivers license every three years.

Michigan:  The Michigan Secretary of State has developed a guide entitled "Driving for Life: A Guide for Older Drivers and their Families."  This publication provides:

• A better understanding of the role of the Secretary of State in licensing drivers
  
• Suggestions to help older drivers maintain their driving skills
  
• Information regarding alternative transportation
  

The information may be accessed at the Michigan SOS website through the following link:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627-47520--,00.html

Minnesota:  Currently, there are no special renewal requirements for older drivers. Minnesota drivers are required to renew their drivers license every 4 years.

Ohio:  The Ohio State Highway Patrol has a Mature Driving Program that includes Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Courses for Drivers 60 and older.  These driving schools have been approved by the State Highway Patrol under the Ohio Revised Code, Section 3937.43 and Ohio Administrative Code, rule 4501:2-9. Insurers may provide appropriate premium reductions to drivers that are 60 years of age or older, have completed an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course and meet certain conditions regarding their driving records. All courses include at least eight hours of classroom instruction, practical exercises, and a written examination. Check with your insurance provider before enrolling in a course to determine the insurance premium reduction provided upon successful course completion.

Wisconsin:  Wisconsin has aging and long-term care resources, which can be found at:  http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/aging/index.htm