Seniors are one of the fastest growing population in the United States, and they remain on the road longer than ever. Many drivers over the age of 65 are one of the safest drivers on the road, but age-related factors such as poor vision and slow reaction times can increase the risk of an accident. If you or your family are approaching this stage of life, it is important to understand statistics about senior drivers and what they mean for your safety and insurance.
Major Senior Driver Statistics
Senior drivers by numbers
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), approximately 51 million licensed drivers over the age of 65 were on the road as of 2023, accounting for just 22% of all drivers. This is a marked increase from five years ago, when older people accounted for less than 20% of the driving population. Today, more seniors are licensed to drive than people in their 20s.
Men can also stay on the road longer than women. In fact, men ages 65 to 84 have the highest percentage of licensed drivers in the male age group. Conversely, women have dramatically reduced driving in the late 70s, and appear to have declined sharply after the age of 85. The table below shows the percentages of each licensed age group classified by gender.
| Age group | Percentage of licensed male drivers | Percentage of approved female drivers |
| 65-69 | 94.1% | 91.7% |
| 70-74 | 94.7% | 89.8% |
| 75-79 | 95.1% | 87.1% |
| 80-84 | 95.2% | 81.3% |
| 85+ | 88.3% | 60.3% |
Accidents involving advanced drivers
Drivers over the age of 70 face a unique set of risks associated with aging. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) points out that the inability to generate road rights is the most common cause of accidents among older people, and the rate of crashes at intersections is higher than younger drivers. Vision, memory and mobility issues all result in elderly drivers carrying out inadequate road surveillance and misjudication conditions while driving.
As a result, older people may be at a higher risk of being involved in a traffic accident, including a fatal crash. Data from IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that crash rates have risen as drivers reach the late 70s and 80s.
Injuries and deaths
Age-related changes do not only increase the risk of older drivers getting into accidents. Additionally, senior drivers are more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries if they are involved in a car accident due to increased medical vulnerability.
Aging bodies are usually more vulnerable to injuries, so older people are more likely to suffer fatal injuries in car accidents compared to younger age groups. According to the NHTSA, male drivers have a higher mortality rate than female drivers in all age groups, including senior drivers. Both male and female drivers have the highest fatality rates among age groups over 85 years old.
Insurance claims by senior drivers
According to IIHS data, drivers aged 65 to 69 years old will reduce their crash liability insurance claims than other age groups. However, after this age, the insurance claim rate for older people begins to rise.
Car insurance premiums usually drop with age, but older people can experience an increase in premiums, especially in the late 70s and 80s. At this stage, the rich driving experience of older drivers can outperform the eyes of insurers due to risks associated with aging (such as greater medical vulnerability and reduced reaction times).
Drivers over the age of 70 see a higher billing rate depending on their age, especially when it comes to liability claims. Drivers over the age of 85 have a higher property damages liability rate than other age groups over the age of 29.
If as an advanced user, affordable car insurance is challenging you and your family, it’s worth comparing prices from several different companies. Although age can be considered a risk factor in most states, insurance companies may place different weights on older driver statistics.
Tips for Senior Drivers
For older people, driving can become more difficult as they get older, but that doesn’t mean they have to abandon their license and independence. These tips may help seniors stay safe behind the wheels and as passengers. Mitigating risk factors can also help older people save money on car insurance.
Plan before driving
According to the CDC, senior drivers need to spend time planning their trip before they settle in their driver’s seat. Check your route so you’re familiar with the roads you have to drive. Operating during the day and in dry conditions is safest. Bad weather and driving at night can increase the risk of accidents. If possible, choose the intersection of the left turn signal if it is green, rather than determining the speed and vehicle distance when turning left.
Please choose the right car
The National Institute of Aging recommends that older people drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, power brakes, steering and large mirrors. Driver assistance technologies such as backup cameras, parking sensors and blind spot detection can also help support older people. If your vehicle doesn’t suit these recommendations, it may be a good time to consider switching to a more supportive vehicle.
Check your medication
It is not uncommon for seniors to take a variety of medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter, and supplements. They may be medically necessary, but the medications you take can also have a negative impact on your driving skills and increase the risk of getting involved in an accident.
Check each medication or supplement for side effects and consult your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects can affect the back of the wheel. The CDC provides personal action plans that can be used to aid in conversation.
Avoid distractions and worry about distance
Distractions can affect drivers of all ages, such as listening to the radio, changing stations, talking on the phone, texting, and more. These distractions can further reduce the reaction time that older people with limited mobility and reflexivity may already struggle with.
Be careful of road conditions
As you get older, driving can be more difficult in challenging situations, such as rain, nighttime, or high traffic. If possible, older people should avoid driving in conditions that present extra challenges in vision and reaction times. Sometimes, and drive in an area where you know you’re unlikely to encounter a dangerous situation.
Improves strength and mobility
Committing to a regular activity plan can help improve strength and mobility and may improve reflexes when driving. Advanced driving statistics show that the most common cause of accidents in this age group is vulnerable and that normal fitness schedules could also improve.
Check your eyes every year
Checking your eyes every year can help you identify changes that may affect your driving. Also, if you notice a sudden change in your vision, you should have an eye examination. Vision impairment can prevent pedestrians and bicycles from viewing on the road. Always wear glasses and contact information if you are prescribed driving.
Conclusion
Elderly driving statistics show that while older people can face unique challenges on the road, measures can be taken to prevent car accidents. Elderly deaths occur most frequently during the day and on weekdays. Driving for older people can become more difficult with age, but you can check your eyes and health regularly, stick to regular exercise routines, and check for side effects that can impair your driving ability.
