Older Adult Drivers
In 2018, more than 250,000 older adults (aged 65) were treated in emergency rooms for traffic-related injuries, with older drivers, particularly those aged 75, having higher crash death rates than middle-aged drivers (aged 35-54).
Changes in cognitive and physical abilities may affect some older adults’ driving abilities; however, older adults engage in safer driving behaviors than other age groups. Always wear a seat belt as a driver or passenger; don’t drink and drive; drive during daylight and in good weather.
How many accidents are caused by older drivers?
According to the study, older drivers, who account for 15% of all licensed drivers, are responsible for 7% of all two-car accidents (both fatal and nonfatal), while younger drivers, who account for 13% of all licensed drivers, are responsible for 43% of all two-car accidents.
Are elderly drivers more dangerous?
Who is most at risk? Older drivers, particularly those over the age of 75, have higher crash death rates than middle-aged drivers (ages 35-54), which is primarily due to their increased vulnerability to injury in a crash.
What age group has the most driver fatalities?
Drivers aged 16-17 continue to have the highest rates of crash involvement, injuries to themselves and others, and deaths of others in crashes in which they are involved, while drivers aged 80 and older have the highest rates of driver deaths, with drivers aged 60-69 being the safest by most measures examined.
What is the leading cause of accidental death for older drivers?
A car accident is the leading cause of accidental death for older drivers. People over 85 were the fastest growing group of drivers in the United States during the 1990s, and by 2030, 20% of Americans will be over 65.
Do seniors have more car accidents?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), people aged 70 and up were historically the most likely to be involved in a crash and the least likely to survive one, but they are now less of a risk than the middle-aged cohort (35-59 years old).
Why are elderly people bad at driving?
Reduced vision, impaired hearing, slower motor reflexes, and worsening health conditions can all become a problem as we age, as can a loss of strength, coordination, and flexibility, all of which can affect your ability to safely drive a car.
How do you know when an elderly person should stop driving?
Here are a few examples of unsafe driving warning signs:
- Having difficulty moving into or maintaining the correct lane of traffic.
- Hitting curbs when making right turns or backing up.
Should elderly drivers be retested?
Many seniors will see retesting as age discrimination; however, if the tests are thorough and the decisions are fair, retesting could improve road safety, provide peace of mind to some families, and allow older drivers to reshape their driving habits while continuing to drive.
Who are the safest drivers on the road?
Male drivers of cars and vans were involved in twice as many fatal accidents as female drivers, despite the fact that women are generally better drivers than men u2014 much better, judging by the number of deaths they cause on the road.
Where is passing not allowed?
When there is a solid yellow line on your side of the road, a school bus is loading or unloading children, attempting to pass a long line of vehicles, or a vehicle ahead has indicated an intention to turn or stop, passing is illegal and dangerous.
What is the single most common cause of car accidents among senior drivers?
Older drivers are more likely to cause accidents by failing to see traffic lights and signs at busy intersections, driving the wrong way, and driving while impaired by medications or with limited vision.
What is the most common bacterial infection in elderly?
Bacterial pneumonia is one of the most common infections among seniors, as well as one of the most dangerous, especially if left untreated; according to the AFP, more than 60% of people over the age of 65 end up in the hospital due to pneumonia.