Putting the brakes on older drivers.

• Position: Trends And Transitions

People over 65--the fastest growing segment of the population--are more likely to buckle up and less likely to drink and drive.

Unfortunately, they also are more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than a middle-aged person, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. They die not necessarily because of the severity of the crash, but more likely because of their frailty. The aging process not only causes a deterioration in eyesight, hearing and reflexes, but it also can lead to an increase in medical complications from injuries sustained in traffic accidents.

Last summer an older driver killed 10 pedestrians as they browsed through a farmers' market in Santa Monica, Calif. The crash prompted legislatures, traffic safety organizations and other advocacy groups to examine the issue of older drivers.

Many states already had some type of restriction. Although they vary, all relate to driver's licenses. Some states have accelerated renewals for people over a certain age to renew their licenses more often. Others require vision tests. Some prohibit renewal by mail for drivers over 70. Illinois and New Hampshire require drivers over 75...