Survey Finds Older Drivers Show Sharp Drop In Future Confidence

A University of Michigan survey reveals a dramatic confidence gap among drivers 65 and older regarding their future driving abilities. While 81% feel very confident about their current driving skills, only 43% express confidence about driving safely over the next five years—a 38-percentage-point decline. The poll of 2,883 adults age 50 and older shows two-thirds of older drivers already avoid certain conditions like bad weather or nighttime driving. Most concerning, 54% have no plan for when they can no longer drive, and 84% have never heard of advance driving directives. Transportation alternatives remain limited, with 44% relying on family for rides, 21% using rideshare services, and 14% using public transit. Only 6% of older drivers have discussed driving concerns with healthcare providers, despite 14% experiencing vision issues. (Story URL)