Driving represents a major tangible representation of independence for the elderly. People tend to think of driving as an inherent right. In fact, it is a complicated and potentially fatal activity that must be regulated and monitored. Although individuals over 70 years of age drive fewer miles, the chance of an accident per mile driven is higher because of the multiple changes related to aging. Those changes include decreased sensory perception, slowed information processing, and changes in motor performance. Most states presently do not require increased frequency of license renewal for the older driver, nor do they include periodic retesting using a written examination and road test. The laws regarding such retesting are in a state of change. Screening tests for driving safety must be revised. They should include vision and motor performance testing that is related to driving performance, based on current and continuing research. A field test should be included for drivers over 70 years of age, with a license renewal every 24 months. The physician is in a powerful position regarding surveillance of unsafe drivers. A difficult ethical decision may arise, however, involving a breach in the confidential physician/patient relationship, which must be weighed against the desire to protect society. Legislation regarding physician immunity needs to be clarified. There are many unsafe older drivers who should have their driving limited or their driver's licenses cancelled. However, we also must protect the rights of the older individuals who are safe drivers.
驾驶是老年人独立的一个主要具体体现。人们往往将驾驶视为一项固有权利。事实上，驾驶是一项复杂且可能致命的活动，必须加以规范和监管。尽管70岁以上的人开车里程较少，但由于与衰老相关的多种变化，每行驶一英里发生事故的几率更高。这些变化包括感官知觉下降、信息处理速度减慢以及运动表现的改变。目前，大多数州并不要求老年驾驶员增加驾照更新频率，也不包括使用笔试和路考进行定期重新测试。关于此类重新测试的法律正处于变化之中。驾驶安全筛查测试必须修订。基于当前和持续的研究，这些测试应包括与驾驶表现相关的视力和运动表现测试。对于70岁以上的驾驶员应进行实地测试，每24个月更新一次驾照。医生在监督不安全驾驶员方面具有重要作用。然而，可能会出现一个艰难的伦理决策，涉及违反医生/患者保密关系，这必须与保护社会的愿望相权衡。关于医生豁免权的立法需要明确。有许多不安全的老年驾驶员，他们的驾驶应该受到限制或驾照被吊销。然而，我们也必须保护那些安全驾驶员的老年人的权利。
