December 4-8, 2023, is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. As we mark the beginning of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, we must highlight the growing demographic of older drivers and their unique challenges on the road. Recent statistics from the CDC provide insight into older drivers' realities, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and awareness.
The Rising Number of Older Drivers: According to the CDC, in 2020, the United States had nearly 48 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older. This represents a significant 68% increase since 2000. Driving offers older adults essential mobility and independence, but it comes with increased risks.
Understanding the Risks: The data shows a concerning trend: the risk of injury or fatality in traffic incidents escalates with age. In 2020, approximately 7,500 older adults were tragically killed in traffic crashes, with nearly 200,000 treated for crash injuries. This translates to 20 older adults killed and about 540 injured daily in crashes.
The Safest Drivers: Interestingly, drivers between 60 and 69 are statistically safer than any other age group. This trend suggests that people generally become safer drivers as they age, reaching their peak driving safety in their 60s. However, entering the 70s, health conditions often interfere with driving abilities, increasing the risks of accidents.
Key Risk Factors:
Increased Vulnerability with Age: Drivers aged 70 and above have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes compared to middle-aged drivers (35-54 years). This higher rate is primarily due to their increased vulnerability to injury in a crash.
Gender Disparity: Across all ages, male drivers have significantly higher crash death rates than female drivers.
Impact of Age-Related Changes: Factors like vision impairment, physical functioning changes, and reasoning and memory challenges can affect older adults' driving abilities. Additionally, certain diseases and medications might also impact their driving skills.
Staying Safe on the Road: Older drivers need to recognize these risks and take proactive steps to ensure their safety and that of others on the road. Regular health check-ups, understanding the effects of medications, and being open to discussions about driving abilities can help older adults navigate these challenges.
Patch & FitzGerald is committed to raising awareness about the safety of older drivers. We believe in empowering them with the knowledge and resources to continue driving safely. As we observe Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, let's all pledge to support the older drivers in our communities, helping them maintain their independence while prioritizing road safety.
The law firm of Patch & FitzGerald focuses on Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases. If you, or anyone you know, needs assistance, please do not hesitate to call us at 603-647-2600 or contact us online. Always a free consultation!