By 2030, there will be approximately 70 million older people (65+) in the U.S., more than twice their number in 2000. This increase also represents an increased percentage of older licensed drivers. Thus, it is important to understand the special circumstances of how they may be involved in traffic crashes. This study used the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of all fatal crashes occurring in the U.S. over the past 2 decades and maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to study the special characteristics of fatal crashes involving females older than 70 years. Results indicate that senior women are overrepresented in crashes that occur under the "safest" conditions, on roads with low speed limits, in daylight, when traffic is low (not at rush hour), when the weather is good, and when the roads are dry.
Samenvatting