Older Adult Drivers: Fact Sheet

There are 30 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in the United States. When injured in motor vehicle crashes, older drivers are more likely to die than younger drivers – underscoring the importance of older driver safety.

How big is the problem?

• More than 175,200 adults ages 65 and older were injured as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2006.¹
• There were 30 million licensed older drivers in 2006 — a 18–percent increase from 1996. In contrast, the total number of licensed drivers increased by only 13 percent during the same time period.²
• Drivers ages 80 and older have higher crash death rates per mile driven than all but teen drivers.³

What are the risk factors, and who is at highest risk?

• Age–related decreases in vision, cognitive functions, and physical impairments may affect some older adults’ driving ability.⁴
• Across all age groups, rates for motor vehicle-related fatalities are higher for men than for women.³
• Older drivers are more likely than younger drivers to die from injuries they sustain in a motor vehicle crash.³

Are there protective factors?

There are existing protective factors that may help improve older adults' safety while driving:

• More than three-quarters (76%) of all older motor vehicle occupants (drivers and passengers) involved in fatal crashes were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, compared to 62 percent for other adult occupants under age 65.²
• Older adult drivers tend to drive when conditions are safest. They limit their driving during bad weather and at night and drive fewer miles than younger drivers.⁵
• Older adult drivers are less likely to drink and drive than other adult drivers.⁶

What are CDC’s research and program activities in this area?

Exploring the relationships between walking, driving and health
CDC researchers are collaborating with scientists at Group Health Cooperative to study the walking and driving ability of older adults. A health survey asking questions about driving and walking habits and abilities was linked to existing health data such as comorbidities, medication use, health care visits and cost of care. These data will enable researchers to study how adults restrict their driving, compare the health of drivers versus non-drivers, and evaluate how the fear of falling may limit transportation mode choice.

Developing an assessment battery for older driver capabilities
With CDC funding, researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute developed and pilot tested a comprehensive battery of assessment instruments for older drivers that was inexpensive and easy to administer. Results showed that the entire battery required less than one hour to complete. Subjective statements by participants showed that the battery was acceptable, free of problems, had tasks presented in a good order, and was not too long. The authors found that the assessment battery was low–cost, transportable, easy to administer, easy for participants to complete, provided a comprehensive assessment of a person’s physical health, mental health, and driving behaviors and would serve as a valuable data collection tool for a longitudinal study of older drivers.

Related article:

Lord D, van Schalkwyk I, Chrysler S, Staplin L. A strategy to reduce older driver injuries at intersections using more accommodating roundabout design practices. Accident Analysis & Prevention, in press.

License renewal and crash risk among older drivers
With CDC funding, researchers at the University of Washington are investigating the relationship between older drivers' crash risk and the time since their last license renewal. The interval between license renewals is an issue of public policy, and states must balance the crash risk caused by drivers who have become impaired against the cost and inconvenience of more frequent renewals. The results of this study will help decision makers determine the appropriate interval between license renewals for older drivers.

Older adult falls while entering and exiting motor vehicles Researchers studied the medical records of older people treated in emergency departments (ED) after being injured while getting into or out of motor vehicles. The research found that falls caused more than 41% of these injuries–more than any other cause.

Related Article:

Dellinger AM, Boyd RM, Haileyesus T. Fall Injuries among Older Adults from an Unusual Source: Entering and Exiting a Vehicle. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2008; 56 (4): 609–14.

Resources for More Information

University of Michigan, Transportation Research Institute: Promising Approaches for Enhancing Elderly Mobility*

University of Florida: Florida Senior Safety Resource Center *

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Senior Driver Web Site*

AAA National: AAA Roadwise Review: A Tool to Help Seniors Drive Safely Longer *

University of Michigan, Transportation Research Institute: Driving Decisions Workbook *

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Active Aging Programs

Community Transportation Association of America: Senior Transportation*

American Society on Aging (ASA): Road Map to Driving Wellness*