Online driver license renewal and road user injury and fatality in Washington State

Abstract

Objectives

Washington State implemented a new policy in 2004 that allowed drivers younger than 70 years old to renew their driver license by mail or online at every other renewal. Drivers aged 70 years and older were still required to renew in-person every 6 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether this policy change was associated with motor vehicle crash (MVC) injury and fatality among drivers, non-drivers, and all road users aged 45–69 years.

Methods

Controlled interrupted time series analysis models were fit to compare injury and fatality rates for these road users affected by the requirement to older road users not affected by the requirement (70 years and older). Differential level and slope changes in injury and fatality rates were used to estimate associations with the change in the license renewal requirement.

Results

We did not find evidence that implementation of online driver license renewal in Washington was associated with increased injury or fatality rates among drivers, non-drivers, or all road users aged 45–69 years relative to those aged 70 years and older.

Conclusions

Allowing driver license renewal online or by mail at every other renewal appears to be a safe strategy for less restrictive driver licensing for drivers aged 45–69 years. Future research should continue to evaluate the potential impacts of in-person and online renewal policies.