"In-person renewal allows driver license examiners the opportunity to refer certain older drivers for medical evaluation [that] . . . may include more sophisticated testing such as neurological examinations, comprehensive visual examinations, simulator tests and road tests," the report concluded.

"The study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham was based on a review of government statistics from 1990 to 2000, during which there were 4,605 driver fatalities involving people 85 and older.