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The variety of fatalities in senior driver crashes nationwide reached its highest level since at the very least 2000, finds a brand new evaluation of federal crash knowledge from AAA Northeast.
“Older drivers aren’t essentially worse drivers than their youthful counterparts,” stated Mark Schieldrop, Senior Spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “In reality, AAA research reveals that seniors are much less prone to have interaction in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. However they’re at better danger of being killed or severely injured if a crash happens.”
Massachusetts noticed 101 deadly crashes involving seniors
In 2021, the final 12 months of obtainable federal knowledge, there have been 8,209 fatalities nationally, involving drivers age 65+, together with:
- 4,691 senior drivers
- 933 passengers of senior drivers
- 1,763 occupants of different automobiles
- 820 folks exterior automobiles
An analogous development has occurred in Massachusetts, the place there have been 101 deadly crashes involving drivers ages 65+ in 2022, essentially the most since at the very least 2002.
With extra senior drivers on the street, this development isn’t a surprise. Throughout the nation, there have been greater than 49 million licensed drivers at the very least 65 years of age in 2021, a rise of 20 million since 2000.
AAA provides the next ideas for senior drivers and their households:
- Assessment new applied sciences: immediately’s new automobiles are sometimes geared up with a wide range of security options, from lane conserving help to adaptive cruise management. Assessment your automotive’s guide or watch video tutorials to make sure you’re snug with how these programs work.
- Monitor your well being: varied medical situations, eyesight issues, or reminiscence points could make driving more difficult, and a few medicines can impair driving potential. Discuss along with your physician and pharmacist about your security on the street given your distinctive medical historical past.
- Alter your driving habits when needed: some seniors could solely drive within the day, keep away from highways, or make three proper turns as an alternative of an unprotected left flip. Households ought to talk about the perfect methods to maintain an older driver protected behind the wheel.
- Put on your seatbelt: sporting a seatbelt is the perfect safety you can provide your self within the occasion of a crash.
Supply: AAA Northeast
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