These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
When it comes to age requirements for driving, the debate is typically focused on younger drivers. But the argument has now grown to include elderly drivers as well, and most Americans think an age qualification for license renewal is needed.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 63% of Adults believe an age limit should be set for older drivers when they are required to take annual tests before having their driver's licenses renewed. Twenty-four percent (24%) don't think that's such a good idea, while 12% more are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here ).
However, there's little agreement over the age at which annual tests should be required of elderly drivers.
Thirty-seven percent (37%) say testing for annual driver's license renewal should begin at age 70. Twenty-three percent (23%) feel 75 is a more appropriate age requirement, while 18% feel that way about 80.
Setting the age requirement for driver's license renewal at 85 years-of-age earns support from just six percent (6%) of Americans. Only four percent (4%) think annual tests should be required only of those older than 85. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided.
The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 6-7, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology .
Perhaps not surprising, adults between the ages of 18 and 39 are more strongly supportive of an age requirement for elderly drivers than Americans above 40.
Adults 65 and older are evenly divided on the question.
Younger adults are more inclined to believe that 70 should be the required age for annual testings, while older adults favor setting this requirement at 75 and above.
Half of adults 65 and older say the age requirmenet should be 75 or 80.
With younger drivers, many Americans still believe raising the age requirement to obtain a driver's license will benefit society in two ways: It will reduce the number of auto accidents and reduce the cost of auto insurance .