Elderly People
...rn when elderly people do drive because they have higher rates of fatal crashes. The following facts are based on analysis of data from the: U.S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S FATALITY ANALYSIS REPORTING SYSTEM: - 7,088 people 65 years and older died in motor vehicle crashes in 1999. - This is a 3 percent drop since 1988 but a 33 percent increase since 1975. Next, the elderly are involved in more crashes at intersections with traffic controls. They are cited more often for failing to yield and disregarding traffic controls. They also tend to be involved in angle and left – turn traffic crashes more often, which usually result in more serious injuries. These findings are significant in that the prevalence of these types of crashes could be reduced for the total population. Research shows a direct link between the kinds of driving problems experienced by older motorists and physical changes that can occur in all older persons. The loss of vision, hearing and physical strength is gradual and can go virtually unnoticed until older drivers are faced with a driving emergency than they are no longer able to handle. For example, the gradual failure of sensory acuity associated with aging reduces the quantity and accuracy of information capable of being processed. This reduces the ability of the individual to respond or react to his/her environment with speed and judgment that current traffic requires. Population, Mileage, and Licensure Rates - People age 75 and older have more vehicle deaths per 100,000 people (25) than other groups except people younger than (25). - Per mile driven, drivers 75 years and older have higher rates of fatal motor vehicle crashes than drivers in other age groups. - Per licensed driver, fatal crash rates rise sharply at age 70 and older. Then, the majority of elderly traffic crashes occur during daylight hours (approximately 80 percent) when the weather is clear (approximately 50 percent) and the pavement is dry (approximately 70 percent). This would appear to indicate that the elderly also travel more under the circumstances, i.e., than the elderly are self-regulating their travel by avoiding the more hazardous situations such as nighttime driving in the inclement conditions. On average, while the elderly travel less, they are more at risk of being involved in traffic crashes, particularly fatal crashes, where risk exposure is defined as a function of annual vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and crash involvement. Crash Types - About half of fatal crashes involving drivers 70 years and older occurat intersections and involve more than one vehicle. - This compares with 23 percent among drivers up to age 50. - People 80 years and older have the highest pedestrian death rates per 100,000 people. - At age 80 and older, the pedestrian death rate per 100,000 among men is more than 3 times as high as for younger pedestrians. Finally, memory problems can cause other difficulties, as well. Individuals with diseases such Alzheimer’s may get lost easily, even going around the block. A short trip may easily end up being a long journey, which can end in disaster. Confused about their whereabouts, a person can have a catastrophic reaction similar to a panic attack. That can further impede overall decision – making abilities and competency behind the wheel. - Eighty-one percent of elderly deaths in 1999 motor vehicles crashes were passenger vehicle occupants, and 15 percent were ...