For years, researchers have examined the older-driver problem of increased fatalities relative to population or miles driven. Existing data were analyzed to determine whether the frailty explanation of the fatality rates of older people offers a complete picture. Fatality-to-injury ratios were calculated by using the fatality analysis reporting system, general estimates system, and national automotive sampling system data. An increase was found in the number of fatalities related to age--the older the victim, the greater the probability of death. This was no surprise. However, there was a surprise regarding belted versus unbelted occupants: unbelted older occupants (drivers or passengers) are at a dramatically increased risk of being killed in a crash than those who are belted. This suggests that potential improvements to occupant protection within the vehicle, although important, may have less to offer older people than the simple use of seat belts.
Abstract