Data on car crashes and older adults

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Whether you value your independence as an older adult driver, or you worry about the safety of an older family member while they drive, it is important to go over the risk factors older adults face behind the wheel. Every year, many older adults become seriously hurt in motor vehicle crashes, and some lose their lives.

By going over data on older adults and motor vehicle crashes, you can familiarize yourself with some of the dangers older drivers face and understand the prevalence of these accidents.

Statistics on older adults and car crash injuries

According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 250,000 older adults (those 65 years old and over) needed emergency treatment as a result of injuries they suffered in traffic accidents during 2019. Also, over 8,000 people in this age group lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes throughout 2019.

During 2018, over 45 million older adults had a driver’s license in the U.S., 60% higher than the number of older adults licensed to drive in 2000.

Older adults, road safety and car crashes

The CDC points out that older adult drivers sometimes struggle with cognitive decline and vision loss, which increases the chances of a crash. However, many older adults exhibit safer behavior behind the wheel compared to other age groups, such as driving during safe road conditions and wearing a seat belt.

Unfortunately, some older adults become hurt in crashes due to the negligence of others, such as those who drink and drive or go too fast, and these victims deserve a voice.