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INSIDE THE NUMBERS: NATIONAL CRASH STATISTICS The primary goal of this driver safety course is to help reduce your likelihood of getting into a motor vehicle crash. Historically, fatal traffic crashes per mile driven increase after age 70 and drivers age 85+ have the highest fatality rates. Many of these fatalities are due to increased fragility associated with aging. The good news: more than 90% of crashes are preventable, and trends are heading in a better direction. The (Really) Good News! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that drivers in their 70s are becoming less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those in their prime working years (ages 35 to 54). This is a notable reversal for a generation of drivers once thought to be an outsize threat to themselves and others on the road. While the number of older drivers has grown rapidly over the past two decades, better health, safer vehicles, infrastructure improvements, and changes to licensing policies have likely prevented an accompanying spike in crashes. Compared to younger drivers, drivers in their 70s have: X Fewer fatal crashes per licensed driver. X Fewer police-reported crashes per mile traveled than drivers ages 35 to 54. A complete approach to older driver safety issues—examining the many connected factors to form a comprehensive solution—appears to have made a difference, along with: X Improvement in vehicle crashworthiness. X Improvements in roadway design. Regarding the impact of health on these statistics: X Improved health means older drivers may be less likely to crash due to the onset of problems like failing eyesight. X Older drivers who are in better shape are more likely to survive if they do crash. www.aarp.org/drive Smart Driver Participant Guidebook 5 WHY ARE WE HERE? 1 1 2 3 4 5 6