In 2020, there were more than 48 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in the United States. This is a 68% increase since 2000. Florida leads the nation with more than 21% of the population 65 years and older. Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent. But the risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash increases as you age. Thankfully, there are steps that older adult drivers can take to stay safer on the roads.
How Big is the Problem?
- In 2020, more than 7,500 older adults were killed and more than 200,000 were treated in emergency departments for motor vehicle crash injuries. This amounts to 20 older adults killed and 540 injured in crashes on average every day.
- There were more than 47 million licensed older adult drivers in 2022, which is more than a 50% increase from 2010.
Who is Most at Risk?
- Involvement in fatal crashes, per mile traveled, begins increasing among drivers ages 70-74 and are highest among drivers ages 85 and older. This trend has been attributed more to an increased susceptibility to injury and medical complications among older drivers rather than an increased risk of crash involvement.
- Across all age groups, males have substantially higher death rates than females.
- Age-related declines in vision and cognitive functioning (ability to reason and remember), as well as physical changes, may affect some older adults’ driving abilities.
How Can Older Adult Driver Deaths and Injuries be Prevented?
High Incidence of Seat Belt Use
While 60% of passenger vehicle occupants (drivers and passengers) ages 65-74 and 71% of passenger vehicle occupants ages 75+ killed in crashes were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, seat belt use among younger adults ranged from 37% (among those ages 21-24) to 54% (among those ages 55-64).
Tendency to Drive When Conditions are the Safest
Older drivers tend to limit their driving during bad weather, at night, and on high-speed roads, in comparison to younger drivers.
Lower incidence of impaired driving
Older adult drivers are less likely to drink and drive than other adult drivers. In 2022, only 7% of drivers ages 75+ years involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher, compared to 27% of drivers ages 21-24 years. Overall, 20% of drivers, regardless of age, involved in fatal crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dL or higher.
Older Adult Drivers: Stay Safe on the Road
Older adults can take these steps to stay safe on the road:
- Exercise regularly to increase strength and flexibility.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review medicines – both prescription and over-the counter–to reduce side effects and interactions.
- Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Wear glasses and corrective lenses as required.
- Drive during daylight and in good weather.
- Find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left turn arrows, and easy parking.
- Plan your route before you drive.
- Leave a large following distance behind the car in front of you.
- Avoid distractions in your car, such as listening to a loud radio, talking on your cell phone, texting, and eating.
- Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend or using public transit, which you can use to get around.
Source CDC
