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Managing Driving Risks in an Aging Workforce

February 18, 2026 Construction, Education, General, Healthcare, Hospitality, Logging, Manufacturing, Retail, Services, Ski, Transportation, Driving Safety
Smiling senior woman driving a car

As the workforce ages, more employees over 65 are driving for work, creating a growing number of older drivers. This trend brings unique safety challenges that business owners should address to protect employees and reduce liability.

Key Statistics in the USA:

  • By 2034, workers aged 65–74 will increase by 15%, with workers 65 and older making up 8.4% of the workforce.
  • According to the US Department of Transportation, from 2014 to 2023 the number of licensed drivers aged 65 and older increased by 38%.
  • In 2023, more than 88% of drivers over 70 still had their license. 

Key Risks:

  • Higher Crash Severity: Drivers 70+ have higher fatal crash rates  per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers, especially in intersection and angle crashes. Failure to yield is the most common error among older drivers.
  • Age Related Physical and Cognitive Changes: Declines in vision, hearing, flexibility, and reaction time can impair driving ability. Medications and chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and stroke, can further increase driving risks.
  • Vehicle Technology Distractions: Older drivers often have challenges using modern car technology such as in-vehicle Infotainment Systems, online maps, and phone apps. Lack of familiarity and potentially complicated user interfaces such as voice commands and touch screens can cause unsafe distractions, leading to accidents.

Key Prevention Strategies

Given the greater frequency and severity of auto accidents in older drivers, it is essential for employers to identify strategies to limit risk so they can retain their experienced workers.

Administrative Controls:  

  • Regular License Verification: Confirm valid driver’s licenses more frequently for employees over 65 and check for any state-imposed restrictions for older drivers.
  • Encourage or provide annual vision and hearing exams.
  • Encourage employees to discuss medication side effects with healthcare providers. Offer confidential health programs to review medications that may impair alertness.
  • Offer wellness initiatives to maintain strength and mobility, reducing physical limitations behind the wheel
  • Review driving routes and schedules. Encourage daytime driving, avoid rush hour, and plan routes with fewer left turns. Allow flexibility for employees who prefer familiar routes or shorter distances.
  • Provide options like rideshare credits, company shuttles, or delivery services for employees who reduce or stop driving.
  • Encourage employees and supervisors to report concerns about driving ability without stigma.
  • Use objective assessments such as occupational therapy evaluations and fit for duty assessments when safety concerns arise.

Technology Advancements - When employees drive company-owned vehicles, consider the following:  

  • Provide vehicles with automatic transmission, power steering, large mirrors, and front and side airbags.
  • Utilize Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as backup cameras, lane assist, blind spot indicators, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and parking assistance.
  • Consider GPS, speed, and driving monitoring to proactively identify risky driving habits. Install dash cameras and review periodically.

Training Opportunities:  

  • Provide training and allow ample time for older drivers to be aware of and comfortable with ADAS Technology and safety features included in vehicle(s) they will be driving.
  • Encourage participation in mature driver programs like AAA RoadWise  or AARP Driver Safety Courses. These courses refresh knowledge and adapt skills to age-related changes.
  • Share resources such as NHTSA Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully checklist to help employees evaluate their fitness to drive.
  • Instruct employees on proper seat positioning and visibility adjustments for comfort and safety.

Although older adult drivers may experience physical changes, medication effects, higher crash and fatality risks, and challenges with new vehicle technology, they can remain safe and valued employees through proactive measures and open communication.

Resources:

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