To answer the question of whether New Jersey’s mature drivers present an increased risk of injury and fatalities to themselves and others, analyses of accident and violation records were performed. A survey was also conducted of a sample of State Departments of Motor Vehicles regarding licensing of mature drivers. The data analyses showed that New Jersey’s older drivers, similar to those in other states, are involved in fewer crashes when compared to other age groups. Their rate of crash involvement per population also decreases. For crash involvements per licensed driver, we found a similar pattern of decrease with age until the drivers reached their mid-nineties. Then the trend showed an increase. Mature drivers have accidents in different places and times than do younger drivers and may be less safe than middle-aged drivers If there is a risk posed, the risk is to older drivers themselves since a greater percentage of their crashes result in fatalities than do other age groups. But as a group, mature drivers are involved in few accidents and fewer fatal accidents than younger drivers. Of states responding to the survey, six reported some type of age related provision in the licensing law. The variety of provisions included: reducing the renewal cycle period, no mail renewal after a certain age, eligibility to be selected for a sample of drivers requiring medical examination, and the need to be re-tested on knowledge and road skills. Most interestingly, states frequently reported use of medical review as a basis for restricting or suspending the license of elderly drivers. (Author/publisher)
Abstract