In this scientific poster a study is described in which traffic crash characteristics of the following driver age groups were compared: 16-34, 35-54, and 55+ years of age. Data consisted of all police-reported crashes occurring in the state of Alabama during 1996. Data pertaining to driver, vehicle and roadway characteristics were analyzed. The data suggest that, per licensed driver, the overall crash rates are highest for young drivers and then decline with increasing age with the exception of fatal crashes, were the rate increased slightly among drivers aged 75 years and older. Males generally have higher crash rates than females. On a mileage basis, rates were elevated for both young and old drivers. Younger and older drivers were more likely to be considered at-fault. Older drivers were less likely to have crashes involving driver fatigue, during the evening and early morning, on curved roads, during adverse weather, involving a single vehicle, and while traveling at high speeds. Conversely, older drivers were overrepresented in crashes at intersections and crashes involving failure to yield the right of way, unseen objects and failure to heed stop signs or signals. Crashes occurring while turning and changing lanes were also more common among older drivers. The study provides an insight as to aspects of the driving environment that are more hazardous for older drivers.
Abstract