Risks older drivers pose to themselves and to other road users

Area of Science:

• Traffic safety research
• Gerontology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Previous studies indicate older drivers have high fatality rates but lower involvement in fatal crashes harming others.
• Most prior research has not accounted for driver responsibility in crashes or used varied risk measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the risks posed by drivers of different ages to themselves and others.
• To consider driver responsibility and utilize multiple risk metrics (per-driver, per-trip, per-mile).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of United States fatal crash data from 1999-2003.
• Inclusion of travel estimates from 2001.
• Examination of risk on per-driver, per-trip, and per-mile bases, accounting for crash responsibility.

Main Results:

• Drivers aged 85 and older exhibit the highest risk of self-inflicted death.
• Teen drivers present the greatest risk to passengers, other vehicle occupants, and non-motorists.
• The oldest drivers pose a greater risk to other road users compared to middle-aged drivers.

Conclusions:

• The extent of excess risk posed by older drivers to others is highly dependent on the specific risk measure used.
• Clear communication and understanding of different risk measures are crucial for effective traffic safety policy and research.