Older Drivers

The Challenge:  Improving Roadways to Accommodate Older Drivers

• In 2003, about 1 in 7 licensed drivers was 65 or older and by 2020, people in this age group will represent 1 in every 5 and 1 in every 4 by 2030.
• While older individuals tend to be relatively safe drivers, with lower crash rates per licensed driver than younger age groups, data indicate clearly that older drivers are at significantly higher risk of being injured or killed when crashes do occur.
• Intersections account for more than 45% of all crashes nationwide.
• 6,730 persons age 65 and older died in motor vehicle crashes in 2003.

The Solution: Low-Cost Improvements Can Make Roads Safer for Older Drivers

• The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has published “Guidelines and Recommendations to Accommodate Older Drivers and Pedestrians,” a series of research-based recommendations for roadway improvements to help older individuals continue driving safely for a longer time.
• The use of wider pavement markings results in crash reductions and improves visibility, lane positioning, and driver comfort.
• Shoulder and edge line rumble strips on two-lane roadways reduce run-off-road crashes by 25%.
• The FHWA recommendations include larger and more reflective signs as well as advance warning of upcoming traffic signals, and reflective posts and delineators.

• Older Driver Fact Sheets - By Individual State
• Older Drivers and Roadway Safety - Did You Know?
• Brighter Signs and Wider Stripes, Public Roads article
• Road Users Can Grow Old Gracefully, Public Roads article 
• Travel Better, Travel Longer - FHWA Pocket Guide
• Older Driver Fact Sheet - California

Older Driver Fact Sheets for other states coming soon!  Check back later.