We’ve all heard the stories of elderly drivers with poor vision who drive through the front of stores or hit pedestrians — just watch South Park. If you’re one of those people who are freaked out by these often times urban legends, a new study from the University of Michigan might freak you out even more. Apparently, for the first time there are more older drivers on the road than younger drivers.

 

The number of drivers under the age of 30 declined about 11 percent over the past 25 years, while drivers under 40 dropped 10 percent. According to the study results, this means that 60 percent of drivers today are over the age of 40. There’s also a boom in elderly drivers to consider with significant rises of licensed drivers in each decade group.

However, the main question to ask is, are older drivers safer than younger drivers?

Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute says they are. “Younger drivers are worse than older drivers… Teens’ lack of experience affects their recognition of and response to hazardous situations, and results in dangerous practices such as speeding and tailgating.”

Experts believe this shift in driving age could change the way cars are manufactured and sold, including increased safety features. Michael Sivak, a researcher at the University of Michigan said, “Overall, the future evolution of these changes will have potentially major implications for future transportation and its consequences.”

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