In a 1997 NHTSA study, older people made up 9 percent of the population but accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 17 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. NHTSA's "Traffic Safety Facts 1997: Older Population" (DOT HS 808 769) reports that:
In 1997, more than 24 million people in the United States were over 70 years of age.
Representing 9 percent of the population in 1997, the 70-and-older age group grew 2.1 times faster from 1987 to 1997 than the total population.
In 1986 older drivers were 7 percent of licensed drivers; in 1996 they were 19 percent of licensed drivers. Clearly our driving population is getting older as "baby boomers" age.
Of traffic fatalities involving older drivers, 82 percent happened in the daytime, 71 percent occurred on weekdays, and 75 percent involved a second vehicle.
When a crash involved an older driver and a younger driver, the older driver was 3 times as likely as the younger driver to be the one struck. Moreover, 28 percent of crash-involved older drivers were turning left when they were struck-- 7 times more often than younger drivers were struck while making left turns.
Frankly my response to this information is a resounding -Wow, who knew? Granted the statistics may be somewhat dated - but they beg the question - is there an age that is too old to drive? It is a very tough question.
Greg Baumgartner is a Texas personal injury attorney whose practice is dedicated to helping personal injury victims and families who have lost a loved one. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured and would like to speak with a Texas truck accident lawyer, call the Baumgartner Firm at 281-587-1111 for a free consultation.
