Over the next two decades, the United States will experience a substantial increase in the number of senior drivers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of those over 75 will grow from 18 million to 31 million between 2008 and 2028. With accident rates for drivers over the age of 65 higher than for any other group except teens, this large increase in senior drivers could result in up to 100,000 senior driving deaths in the next 20 years.
“With our senior driving population growing, there will be more drivers over the age of 75, potentially causing serious safety issues on our roads,” said John Kennedy, executive director of NSC Defensive Driving Programs. “As a nation, we must do more to promote mature driver safety through better education, self-evaluation tools but also options for transportation.”