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Older Drivers Involved in More Fatal Accidents

Tue, 10/10/2000 - 11:00pm — Karen Stevenson
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The number of older drivers (aged 70 and above) killed in crashes nationwide increased by 39% from 1989 to 1999 at the same time that overall fatalities declined by 9%, according to a new study released today by a nonprofit transportation research group. The Road Information Program (TRIP) report, "Traffic Safety And Older Americans: Making Roads Safer For Motorists," also identified specific roadway improvements that can help reduce older driver fatalities. Among those improvements are clearer signage and larger lettering on signs; overhead indicators for turning lanes; better street lighting and wider lanes and shoulders, particularly at intersections.

William M. Wilkins, executive director of The Road Information Program (TRIP) said that improved transit service has a role to play, but it is important to focus on roadway safety improvements because 92% of all surface travel by older citizens takes place in motor vehicles. He said, "It is important for older drivers to be able to maintain the freedom that is provided by the mobility that comes from using motor vehicles and to be able to do so in a safe driving environment. It makes sense to improve lighting, have better signage and separate left-turn lanes with adequate width at intersections because those improvements help address problem areas that older drivers have. These improvements have the added benefit of helping all drivers, regardless of their age."

TRIP's older driver fatality figures are based on newly released National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, and the roadway safety improvements identified by TRIP are primarily based on The Older Driver Highway Design Handbook published by the Federal Highway Administration.

The number of older drivers (aged 70 and above) killed in crashes nationwide increased by 39% from 1989 to 1999 at the same time that overall fatalities declined by 9%, according to a new study released today by a nonprofit transportation research group. The Road Information Program (TRIP) report, "Traffic Safety And Older Americans: Making Roads Safer For Motorists," also identified specific roadway improvements that can help reduce older driver fatalities. Among those improvements are clearer signage and larger lettering on signs; overhead indicators for turning lanes; better street lighting and wider lanes and shoulders, particularly at intersections.

William M. Wilkins, executive director of The Road Information Program (TRIP) said that improved transit service has a role to play, but it is important to focus on roadway safety improvements because 92% of all surface travel by older citizens takes place in motor vehicles. He said, "It is important for older drivers to be able to maintain the freedom that is provided by the mobility that comes from using motor vehicles and to be able to do so in a safe driving environment. It makes sense to improve lighting, have better signage and separate left-turn lanes with adequate width at intersections because those improvements help address problem areas that older drivers have. These improvements have the added benefit of helping all drivers, regardless of their age."

TRIP's older driver fatality figures are based on newly released National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, and the roadway safety improvements identified by TRIP are primarily based on The Older Driver Highway Design Handbook published by the Federal Highway Administration.