Older drivers’ safety studied

A national study is looking to see if the perception that older drivers are more dangerous, is reality.

About a thousand volunteers, age 70 and older, are having their driving habits tracked for the study.

While Ontario requires drivers 80 and older to renew their license every two years, there really is no national standard, which is what this study is all about. It’s taking a look at older drivers in seven cities across the country, including Hamilton.

The five-year study – part of a program called Candrive, is drawing on scientists from 10 universities. The program is working on developing a reliable way for doctors to figure out which seniors can safely be on the road. In seven provinces, doctors are legally responsible for evaluating their patients and reporting them to the government, which the researchers say leads to a driver’s license relying on the assessment of a physician.

Candrive says they are doing the study because out of all age groups, drivers 70 and older have the highest vehicle crash rate per kilometre driven.

Video Cristina Tenaglia reports: