According to a 2014 American Automobile Association (AAA) survey, senior drivers are statistically higher in number as the baby boomer generation matures than ever on the nation’s roads and highways. In addition, compared to earlier generations, American seniors continue to maintain their licenses to drive and do so at older ages.
Are there more accidents on the roads since there are so many senior drivers? Are elderly drivers—those 65 and older more risky than drivers in other age groups? If you are worried about your elder loved one not returning home while driving and thinking, ‘how do i find out about local car accidents?’ to know if they are okay, read to know more.
Are senior citizens more prone to accidents?
More than 45 million licensed drivers in the United States were 65 years of age or older in 2018, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since 2000, 60% more senior drivers have been on the road.
While the number of elderly drivers on the roadways has substantially risen, many of these individuals also drive while taking prescription drugs. In fact, based on AAA research, two-thirds of older drivers who use prescription medication also use other drugs.
What factors increase older drivers’ risk of car accidents?
- Compared to middle-aged drivers between the ages of 35 and 54, older drivers—particularly those who are 75 years or older—have higher collision fatalities.
- The greater possibility of injury in an accident is the main reason for the higher crash fatality rates among drivers 75 and older.
- Some older individuals’ driving abilities may be affected by age-related problems in eyesight, cognitive function (including their ability to reason and recall), and physical changes.
Male drivers have considerably more fatalities than female drivers across all age groups, so males are statistically much more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident, irrespective of age. This is true even though certain factors might make older drivers more vulnerable to accidents.
What Safety Measures Can Older Drivers Consider to Improve Traffic?
-
Always buckle up, whether you are riding or driving along.
Wearing a seat belt has been repeatedly shown to be one of the greatest ways to prevent injury and death in car accidents.
-
Drive only when it is safe to do so.
Injuries and fatalities from accidents increase when conditions like bad weather and nighttime driving occur.
-
Never drive a vehicle when intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol impairment increases the possibility of being in an accident because it affects judgment and decreases coordination.
