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Statistics on older drivers and traffic accidents

On Behalf of | Oct 22, 2021 | Car Accidents

If you are an older adult, or someone in your family continues to drive at a later point in their life, it is important to understand the risks associated with driving. Some people wrongly assume that all older drivers are incapable of driving safely due to age-related mental and physical challenges. While some older adults are more likely to find themselves in an accident because of cognitive challenges and vision loss, others do not face these hardships.

Sadly, even careful and capable older drivers find themselves in serious collisions as a result of another driver’s negligence.

Data on older adults and traffic crash injuries and deaths

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 250,000 older adults (those 65 and older) received emergency treatment as a result of injuries sustained in traffic accidents during 2018. Furthermore, traffic accidents claimed the lives of nearly 7,700 older adults over the course of 2018.

To look at these statistics another way, nearly 700 older adults suffered injuries and over 20 lost their lives each day during 2018, on average.

Recovering from a traffic accident as an older adult

The CDC notes that in comparison to drivers from other age groups, many older adults are very safe and responsible on the road. For example, many wear seat belts, drive during safe conditions and avoid driving drunk. Unfortunately, motor vehicle collisions can impact even the most responsible drivers and it is crucial for victims to explore their options as they work toward recovery.

For older adults, recovering from a traffic crash is often especially difficult and victims deserve justice.

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