Older Drivers

Summary: In 2007, there were 31 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in the United States. Most of these drivers have enjoyed many years of cautious and responsible driving. However, statistics show that the risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash increases with age. On average, 500 older adults are injured every day as occupants of motor vehicles. Thankfully, there are steps that older adults can take to stay safer on the roads while still maintaining their independence. Whether it is time to learn new strategies to deal with upcoming challenges behind the wheel, or time to seek out new and reliable modes of transportation, there are many options for seniors to safely stay on the move.

Maryland Fast Facts:

In 2008, there were a total of 78 older driver-involved fatal crashes, which accounted for 13.2% of all fatal crashes in Maryland.
47.1% of fatal crashes involving older drivers occurred on roads with a posted speed limit of 40 mph or less.
55% of the older drivers killed were 70-79 years old and 71% were male.
Property-damage-only crashes accounted for 56% of the total older driver involved crashes.
63% of the fatal and 61% of the total older driver involved crashes occurred between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.

National Statistics:

More than 183,000 older adults were injured as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in 2008. This amounts to 500 older adults being injured in a crash every day.
Most traffic fatalities involving older drivers in 2008 occurred during the daytime (80%), occurred on weekdays (72%), and involved other vehicles (69%).
Older drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 had the lowest proportion of intoxication of all adult drivers.
In two-vehicle fatal crashes involving an older driver and a younger driver, the vehicle driven by the older person was nearly twice as likely to be the one that was struck.

Maryland Laws:

In Maryland, the law requires that a vision test must be conducted at every license renewal for all citizens age 40 and above. Please visit the Insurance Institute for Highway safety’s website on licensing renewal provisions for older drivers for additional information.

RESOURCES

Maryland produces several brochures, websites and other materials, all of which are free to download and access information to help spread the word about highway safety programs in Maryland.

Drivers 55+: Check Your Own Performance

How to Help an Older Driver

Mature Drivers: Buying a Vehicle

Older and Wiser Driver

Drive Safely While Aging Gracefully