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Research Shows Older Drivers Not Making Changes To Reduce Risk

Highway Safety News | November 29th, 2017

Nearly 90 percent of older drivers do not make inexpensive adaptations to their vehicles that can improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Common vehicle adaptations like pedal extensions, seat cushions and steering wheel covers can help to improve safety by reducing a senior driver’s crash risk.

AAA urges seniors to consider making the necessary adaptations to their vehicles in order to reduce crash risk and extend the time they can continue to drive.

Senior Driver Statistics

  • In 2016, Pennsylvania’s average senior driver (age 65 and older) crash rate was 16.1 percent, higher than the national average of 13.1 percent.
  • Drivers older than 65 are 17 times more likely than younger ones to be injured or killed when involved in a crash.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2016 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Overview shows that between 2007 and 2016 the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes age 65 and older increased almost 20 percent, the ONLY age group to do so.
  • By 2030, one in five U.S. adults will be 65 or older.

More details and information on this research is available from AAA.