Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that easing driver’s license renewal requirements for older adults may lead to an increase in crash rates.
Previously, Iowa required drivers aged 72 and older to renew their licenses every two years.
However, a 2020 law raised that age to 78. Additionally, drivers under 70 are now allowed to renew their licenses online.
The University of Iowa study examined crash data across 13 states over 20 years. It revealed that states with longer renewal periods or less frequent renewal requirements experienced a rise in crash rates, particularly among older drivers.
“As some of these states relaxed their renewal policies over time, we observed slight increases in crash and injury rates among older drivers compared to middle-aged groups,” said Cara Hamann, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa.
The study highlights the potential risks of aging behind the wheel, with factors like declining vision and cognitive ability playing a role in driving safety.
Although Iowa’s recent law change wasn’t directly analyzed in the study, Hamann believes the state could see similar trends. “We’re assuming this may be contributing to less safe roads,” she said.
Currently, Iowa does not mandate vision or medical screening during license renewals, though the Department of Transportation can require testing if a concern is raised. In fact, researchers found that 40% of these screening requests happen during the renewal process.
The Iowa DOT also allows residents to report drivers they believe may no longer be fit to drive safely.