The Public Choice of Driving Regulations

40 Pages Posted: 19 Oct 2005

See all articles by Margaret F. Brinig

Margaret F. Brinig

Notre Dame Law School

Mark E. Wilkinson

University of Edinburgh - School of Geosciences

Jeanette M. Daly

University of Iowa - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Gerald Jogerst

University of Iowa - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Edwin M. Stone

University of Iowa - Department of Ophthalmology

Date Written: October 2005

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe and classify each state's driver's licensing laws and then test whether the licensing laws affect the percentages of over-64 persons licensed and the proportion of older drivers involved in accidents to determine an optimal level of driving.

Design and Methods: This paper evaluates state driving rules, obtained from laws, regulations, and driver's manuals, tests, based upon Department of Transportation data, whether the type of laws affects driving and accident rates for those over 64 and suggests a uniform scheme combining self-reporting of driving problems, on-the-road tests of drivers who fall below safe driving standards, and individualized restrictions where these can enable drivers to safely operate vehicles.

Results: Rates of licensure for those over 64 years and of the proportion who are involved in traffic accidents vary widely among states. State licensing rules are divided among seven categories. Regression analysis shows a relationship between the licensing category and both rates.

Implications: A model (and thus uniform) driving statute is recommended, with final licensing responsibility resting with the Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency and licensing based on an evaluation of actual driving performance.

Keywords: driving, elderly, aging, vision, dementia, regulations, discretion, licensing, motor vehicles, efficiency

JEL Classification: D45, D61, D73, J14, K20

Suggested Citation

Friedlander Brinig, Margaret and Wilkinson, Mark E. and Daly, Jeanette M. and Jogerst, Gerald and Stone, Edwin M., The Public Choice of Driving Regulations (October 2005). U Iowa Legal Studies Research Paper No. 05-27, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=822187 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.822187

Margaret Friedlander Brinig (Contact Author)

Notre Dame Law School ( email )

P.O. Box 780
3157 Eck Hall of Law
Notre Dame, IN 46556-0780
United States
574-631-2303 (Phone)
574-631=8078 (Fax)

Mark E. Wilkinson

University of Edinburgh - School of Geosciences

Edinburgh, EH9 3JW
United Kingdom

Jeanette M. Daly

University of Iowa - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine ( email )

Iowa City, IA 52242-1097
United States

Gerald Jogerst

University of Iowa - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine ( email )

Iowa City, IA 52242-1097
United States

Edwin M. Stone

University of Iowa - Department of Ophthalmology ( email )

341 Schaeffer Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
187
Abstract Views
3,024
Rank
292,124
PlumX Metrics