UPDATED: APRIL 27, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Seniors are at a higher risk of being involved in fatal car accidents due to increased injury sensitivity. In the past year, over 4,000 fatalities were from drivers 65 or older. We’ll walk you through seniors’ driving risks and the top seven states where seniors are most likely to be in a fatal accident.
Are elderly drivers more dangerous on the road?
Age-related factors increase the risk of the elderly getting involved in an accident. Elderly motorists have a high accident rate because of vision changes or medication side effects.
Accident risks for senior drivers
Motorists 75 years of age and older are less likely to get into vehicle crashes with a motor vehicle than teen drivers, but they are still considered at high risk for accidents. About 7.5% of licensed U.S. drivers are older, comprising only 6.5% of fatal crashes and less than 4% of all crashes.
Elderly drivers have a higher rate of fatal accidents than middle-aged drivers. Changes in vision or mobility, memory, and cognition could increase the severity of car accident injuries, and they might need a driving evaluation to ensure safety.
Which States Are the Most Dangerous for Senior Drivers?
Some states are more dangerous than others for senior drivers. Some have more fatalities than others, depending on the population size. We’re going to look at the most dangerous states and what makes them that way, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Kentucky
According to the Kentucky State Police, the largest human contributing factors to car crashes are failure to maintain motor vehicle control and inattentive drivers. The state of Kentucky has 18.86 fatalities per 100,000 licensed senior drivers. Other factors of accidents include misjudging a clearance and failure to yield.
Mississippi
Mississippi ranks high as one of the deadliest states for senior drivers, based on a 2018 report by TRIP, a national transportation research group. The state of Mississippi has 22.83 fatalities per 100,00 licensed senior drivers. The most recent report shows that 92 senior drivers were killed in auto accidents in Mississippi.
New Mexico
New Mexico is considered one of the most confrontational states in the country, with a score of 91.17 out of 100. Fifteen percent of drivers reported that another driver followed them and got out of the car to fight or yell at them.
Kansas
There are special provisions in Kansas for seniors within a particular age group. All licensed drivers must get a license renewal every six years and pass a vision test. Seniors must meet the vision requirement every four years. In Kansas, there are 18.78 traffic fatalities per 100,000 licensed senior drivers.
Idaho
There is a car accident in the state every 20.8 minutes, according to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Only 35% of people who died in motor vehicles wore seatbelts in 2016. In the state of Idaho, there are 17.58 fatalities per 100,000 licensed senior drivers.
Missouri
Missouri is the sixth-deadliest state for seniors. The largest contributing factors to traffic accidents involve improper lane usage, speeding, and substance abuse. In the state of Missouri, there are 16.37 fatalities per 100,000 licensed senior drivers.
Georgia
There are 1.2 million licensed drivers who are at least 65 years of age. In the state of Georgia, there are 17.02 fatalities per 100,000 licensed senior drivers.
4 Of the Safest States For Senior Drivers
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, senior adults aged 65 and older will make up about 25% of all American drivers by the year 2025. Not all states are dangerous for seniors. Compare the following safest states for senior drivers.
New York
One of the safest states for senior drivers is New York. The fatality rate per 1,000 drivers in New York is 0.052. New York had the third-fewest senior fatalities out of all the states. It’s mainly because many people don’t drive, so it’s less risky for drivers on the road.
Massachusetts
The fatality rate per 1,000 drivers in Massachusetts is 0.048. Massachusetts ranks #1 for safe driving out of states on the west and east coasts. Massachusetts drivers are considered the best drivers; only 4% have violations.
Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the safest places senior drivers can drive. The fatality rate per 1,000 drivers in Hawaii is 0.066, which is about 7.3 deaths per 100,000 residents. Hawaii drivers have safer habits, as 94% wear seatbelts compared to 87% nationally. Hawaii also has just 18% of vehicle miles traveled in Hawaii on rural roads where fatal car crashes take place.
New Jersey
New Jersey stands out as one of the safest states for elderly drivers. The fatality rate per 1,000 drivers in Hawaii is 0.062. New Jersey had 0.73 fatalities per 100 million, with a total of 564 fatalities. New Jersey was also 41st in speeding-related deaths and 45th in deaths related to drunken driving.
FAQs
What state has the most dangerous drivers?
Mississippi, Alaska, North Dakota, and Rhode Island are considered some of the deadliest states for senior drivers. Mississippi takes first place as they have 136.7 deaths per 100,000 which are 157% higher than the United States average.
What is the most dangerous age for driving?
The most dangerous age for driving is between 16-19 years of age. Teen drivers are three times more likely than 20-year-olds to be in a fatal crash.
What are the three most dangerous states to drive in statistically?
According to road fatality data from the NHTSA, the top three deadliest states in America are California, Florida, and Texas.
What is the single most common cause of crashes among senior drivers?
Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by missing signs at busy intersections, traffic lights, or driving the wrong way. Extra dangers are caused by impaired driving, or your vision hinders your driving ability.
What is the most common age for senior drivers?
The most common age for seniors is 85 years of age. That’s the age when you should start preparing for a life away from the steering wheel.
What are the three most common causes of senior driver fatalities?
The three most common causes of senior driver fatalities are running traffic signals, intoxicated driving, and driving at night.
How to Purchase Car Insurance for Senior Drivers
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