As people age, “driving can become more challenging due to certain health aspects like a decrease in vision quality and slower reaction times,” says Seth Bader of personal injury law firm Bader Scott. To shed light on the risks older drivers face, his firm examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 2017 to 2021. They aimed to identify which U.S. states have the highest percentage of elderly deaths in road accidents. This analysis is particularly significant because, during this five-year period, there were 65,291 road fatalities involving individuals aged 65 and older, making them the second-highest age group for road fatalities, just behind the 25-30 age group with 67,211 deaths. Here are the 10 most dangerous states for older drivers.
10. Oregon
Oregon is known for its scenic beauty, from the vibrant city of Portland to numerous national and state parks. However, seniors should be cautious when driving in this state. Out of Oregon’s 4,491 total road accident deaths, 936 involved drivers aged 65 and older, accounting for 20.84% of the fatalities. Considering these statistics, older residents and visitors might find it safer to rely on public transportation.
9. Kansas
Kansas reported 4,050 total road fatalities, with 855 involving drivers over the age of 65, which is 21.11% of the state’s road deaths. The state’s harsh winter weather can further exacerbate driving difficulties for seniors. The combination of challenging weather conditions and high percentages of elderly fatalities underscores the need for caution among older drivers in Kansas.
8. New Hampshire
New Hampshire, while known for its safety and tranquil living environments, still presents significant risks for elderly drivers. The state reported 225 fatalities involving seniors out of its total road deaths from 2017 to 2021, making up 21.72% of all fatalities. This statistic highlights the importance of vigilance and possibly exploring alternative transportation methods for older residents.
7. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s bustling cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh contribute to heavy traffic and complex driving conditions. The state saw 11,848 total road fatalities, with 2,586 of these involving drivers aged 65 and older, representing 21.83% of the deaths. The significant percentage of elderly fatalities indicates a substantial risk factor for older drivers in Pennsylvania.
6. Minnesota
Minnesota faces harsh winter driving conditions, which can be particularly hazardous for older drivers. Out of 3,931 total road accident deaths, 865 involved individuals over 65 years old, accounting for 22% of the fatalities. The state’s severe weather combined with the higher percentage of elderly deaths suggests that seniors should exercise extra caution when driving.
5. Vermont
In Vermont, 22.10% of road fatalities involved drivers aged 65 and older, amounting to 139 out of 629 total deaths. This northeastern state, though smaller in population, shows a significant risk for older drivers, with senior fatalities outnumbering any other age group. Such data points to the need for heightened awareness and possibly alternative transport options for the elderly.
4. New Jersey and Massachusetts
Both New Jersey and Massachusetts reported that 22.84% of their road fatalities involved drivers over the age of 65. In New Jersey, 1,343 out of 5,880 total deaths were seniors, indicating a much higher fatality rate for this age group compared to others. Massachusetts saw 826 elderly deaths out of 3,617 total fatalities. These numbers suggest that older drivers in these states face considerable risks on the road.
3. Rhode Island
Rhode Island, despite its smaller population, recorded a high percentage of elderly road fatalities. Of the 606 total road deaths, 139 were drivers aged 65 and older, making up 22.94% of the fatalities. This high percentage highlights the dangers faced by older drivers in the state, necessitating careful consideration of driving practices and safety measures.
2. New York
New York State, with its challenging driving conditions, especially in New York City, reported 2,494 deaths involving older drivers out of a total of 10,706 road fatalities. This equates to 23.30% of all road deaths. The high percentage underscores the critical need for older drivers to be extra cautious, particularly in densely populated and high-traffic areas.
1. Maine
Maine tops the list as the most dangerous state for older drivers, with 24.58% of road fatalities involving those aged 65 and older. Out of 1,538 total road deaths, 378 were elderly drivers. This high percentage suggests that seniors in Maine face significant driving risks, making it the most hazardous state for older drivers.
Conversely, Louisiana was identified as the safest state for older drivers, with those aged 65 and older accounting for only 13.57% of the state’s total road fatalities. This lower percentage points to potentially safer driving conditions or better safety measures for elderly drivers in Louisiana.
