Older Driver Deaths in Car Crashes Increased 42% from 2013 to 2022: NHTSA

Federal highway safety officials have published alarming new figures regarding the significant increase in traffic deaths among older drivers over the past decade, indicating that the number of fatalities rose 42% between 2013 and 2022, even though vehicles have gotten safer and the population of individuals aged 65 and older increased by only 30% during that same period.

Older drivers are known to face a higher risk of harm from auto accidents, since they are more prone to being injured in a crash, and reaction times slow with age. These slower reaction times not only pose a risk for older drivers, but also for other individuals on U.S. roadways.

According to the new data, there were 6,057 deaths in car accidents among individuals 65 and older in 2013. However, that number increased to 8,572 by 2022, which is the highest it has been since 1975.

Older drivers now account for 19% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., according to a consumer alert issued by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) on December 2,  to mark the beginning of Older Driver Awareness Week. The agency indicates that the findings highlight the importance of discussing changes in driving behavior with drivers as they age, and creating safe driving plans.

How To Keep Older Drivers Safe

Talking to older drivers about their driving can be difficult and is often delayed until their actions are perceived as dangerous. Learning how to understand and influence older drivers can help facilitate challenging conversations to keep older drivers safe.

NHTSA emphasizes the importance of older drivers and their families discussing age-related changes and medical conditions that may affect driving ability, as well as planning safer trips, by choosing times of day with lighter traffic and favorable weather conditions.

While the ability to drive should never be solely based on age, changes in vision, physical fitness, attention and reaction times associated with aging may affect safe driving. NHTSA offers tips for Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully, which provides warning signs and advice for maintaining safe driving habits.

As people age, monitoring overall health is important as well, and understanding how medical conditions can impact the ability to drive safely is crucial. Scheduling regular health check-ups, reviewing medications that may impair judgment, and ensuring up-to-date eyeglass prescriptions are key to safe driving.

NHTSA suggests that older drivers consider driver assessments by rehabilitation specialists, explore alternative transportation options, and evaluate adapted vehicles or driver assistance technologies to accommodate their needs and enhance safe driving.

Older Driver Awareness Week ends on December 6. However, NHTSA will continue to provide educational information and guidance to promote safe driving among older individuals.