A report released by nonprofit transportation research group TRIP finds fatalities in traffic crashes involving drivers 65 years old or older increased 22% from 2012 to 2016.
The number of seniors killed in those crashes increased by 16% nationwide. The TRIP report identified Florida as having the highest number of fatal crashes involving older drivers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 40 million Americans age 65 or over. The TRIP report estimates that in the last decade, the number of licensed senior drivers increased 38%.
With older Americans living healthier, more active lifestyles, the report asserts that their quality of life is closely tied to their level of mobility, estimating that 79% live in car-dependent suburban and rural communities.
Given the grim trend, TRIP is advocating for transportation improvements such as clearer signage, brighter lane markings and overhead lighting, and more intuitive intersection designs, which they say would make it safer not only for aging Americans but for all drivers.
The D.C.-based nonprofit also promotes education and training programs for older drivers and easy access to public transit routes to help improve the mobility and safety of older Americans.
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Source: WTOP Radio
