subject: Elderly Driving Statistics: The Scope of the Problem and How We Can Keep the Roads Safer [print this page] Elderly Driving Statistics: The Scope of the Problem and How We Can Keep the Roads Safer
and elsewhere which is magnifying problems created by elderly drivers on the roadways. Elderly driving statistics show that there are increased risks of older adults having accidents and injuring themselves and / or others, but there are interventions that can reduce the problem.
The Federal Highway Administration reports that there were approximately 26M people aged 70 or more in the U.S. with about 67% indicating that they continued to drive. Between 1995-2001, the average number of miles driven by older adults annually increased by 29%.
Although auto accidents account for under 1% of fatalities among people 70 or over, this figure rises quickly for each year starting at 70. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, the rate of fatal crashes per 100 miles driven for older drivers was high than any other age group except for teens. And the 85+ age group had the highest rate of all groups at 14.5%.
There are a number of interventions that can impact positively on this serious issue, greatly improving the elderly driving statistics. First, infrastructure changes can improve environmental conditions for the elderly that would most likely result in fewer accidents and injuries. For example, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reports that, of the fatal collisions involving those over 70 years of age, 40 percent occur at intersections, compared with only 23 percent of those involving 35-54 year olds. Modifications to intersections such as having more visible traffic signs and dedicated left turn lanes and signals could potentially result in a 13% greater reduction in injury crashes for drivers over 70.
Another helpful intervention would be to modify characteristics to automobiles such as raising the seat level and separating gas and brake pedals to reduce the likelihood to an older adult pressing the wrong pedal. There are also some great driver safety programs available that are specifically geared to elderly drivers. Some insurance companies even offer discounts to seniors if they have completed a safety course.
Older adults should also have their eyes and hearing tested regularly to ensure they can properly see the road and hear road-related noises. Relatedly, night driving can be eliminated because of the difficult in seeing and judging distances at that time. In addition, family members or friends can ride with the elderly driver occasionally to determine his ability to function appropriately behind the wheel.
In conclusion, elderly drivers are increasing in numbers as well as total miles being driven. This will, most likely, result in an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities. However, there are interventions such as roadway and automobile modifications, education, and driver safety courses that can potentially have a critical impact on improving elderly driving statistics. Older adults need to remain as active and involved as possible and taking away their driver's licenses may be required, but not before other less restrictive alternatives are explored first.
Find out how you can help an elderly family member or friend remain active, healthy, and safe by clicking on this informative web link at http://www.keepseniorsactive.com.
Steven Watson, PhD has been a small business owner for over 10 years and a manager for 18 years. He previously owned a home health agency that specialized in elderly clients and currently owns a copywriting and resume company in the Tallahassee, FL area. Steven has an 86-year old mother and has a special interest in informing others about how to keep elderly parents or friends safe and healthy.
