Objective/Purpose: In FY 96/97, 1098 (14.3%) Prehospital patients age 55+ were drivers involved in injury crashes. Evidence suggests elderly drivers have higher crash rates and more severe injuries. By 2020 this population will increase 118%, warranting further investigation. Methods: Prehospital patient records and traffic records were queried. Data were analyzed by age groups, gender, ethnicity, community, estimated hour of incident, outcome, restraints, and party at fault. Results: 39% of crashes involved 55-64 year old drivers, 30.3% were 65-74, 23.8% were 75-84 and 6.9% were 85+. 52% were male and 65% were White. One third of crashes occurred in 4 of 63 communities. Most occurred between 11:00a.m-4:00 p.m. 76% were transported to a hospital. Status was 78.1% mild, 15.4% moderate, and 5.4% acute. 4.4% were unrestrained. 73.3% of motorcyclists wore helmets. Major violations were Auto Right-of-Way, Unsafe Speeds, and Traffic Signals/Signs. Compared to all age groups rates for these drivers ranked 8th (55-64), 9th (64-74), 6th (75-84), and 3rd (85+). Higher percentages of the oldest drivers were found to be at fault (85+:81%, 75-84:61%), and the 55-64 and 65-74 year olds at fault percentages were lower than those of the youngest drivers (16-19:60%, 20-24:51%). Conclusions: Low rates and at fault percentages for the 55-64 and 65-74 age groups were found to contradict recent reports. Other than the 85+ age group the highest percentages at fault and crash rates are found in the youngest drivers. While the 85+ age group had a higher percentage of acute status, this result was not significant.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Understand differences in crash rates by age groups. 2. Understand factors that contribute to injury crashes for different age groups. 3. Understand the real impact of elderly drivers on the entire population
Keywords: Elderly, Motor Vehicles
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.