Study: Older drivers rule the roads

Researchers at the University of Michigan recently studied demographic shifts in licensed drivers between 1983 and 2008. They found that people over the age of 40 now account for more than 60

percent of drivers on the road, whereas in 1983, older adults made up less than half of the licensed population. Not only are there more older drivers than young, but a higher proportion of older adults have their licenses than they did in the 80s, according to the study's findings.

"Overall, the future evolution of these changes will have potentially major implications for future transportation and its consequences," said Michael Sivak, a research professor at UMTRI. "Specifically, licensing changes will likely affect the future amount and nature of transportation, transportation mode selected, vehicles purchased, the safety of travel and the environmental consequences of travel."

Even if the roads become safer, the risk of car accidents increases as drivers age, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For this reason, it can be wise to purchase an extended car warranty that will cover the cost of repairs should drivers get into accidents.