This fact sheet focuses on the older population in the United States which includes all people age 65 and older. In 2008, 13% of the total U.S. resident population (34 million) were people age 65 and older. There were 31 million older licensed drivers in 2007 — a 19% increase from 1997. In contrast, the total number of licensed drivers increased by only 13% from 1997 to 2007. Older drivers made up 15% of all licensed drivers in 2007, compared with 14% in 1997. In 2008, 183,000 older individuals were injured in traffic crashes, accounting for 8% of all the people injured in traffic crashes during the year. These older individuals made up 15% of all traffic fatalities, 14% of all vehicle occupant fatalities, and 18% of all pedestrian fatalities. Most traffic fatalities involving older drivers in 2008 occurred during the daytime (80%), occurred on weekdays (72%), and involved other vehicles (69%). Additional statistics on older pedestrian and older driver accident involvement and traffic fatalities in 2008 are provided in this traffic safety fact sheet.
Abstract