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The Most and Least Dangerous States for Senior Drivers
Research reveals the safest and most dangerous states for drivers over 65
San Mateo, CA; July 11, 2016 — Rhode Island is the most dangerous state for drivers age 65 and older, according to a new Caring.com report, followed by Maine, Minnesota, New York and Idaho.
The study compared the number of people age 65 and older who were killed in car accidents with that age group’s share of the population in each state. In Rhode Island, for example, senior citizens comprised 35% of car-related fatalities in 2014 (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Since seniors made up just 16 percent of Rhode Island’s population (per the U.S. Census), they were 19 percentage points more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than expected.
New Mexico is the least dangerous state for older drivers. North Dakota, Louisiana, Alaska, Montana, Mississippi and South Carolina are the only other states where seniors accounted for fewer car-related fatalities than their share of the population projected.
“It’s never easy to tell mom or grandpa to stop driving, but these numbers show why it’s crucial to have that conversation before it’s too late,” said Dayna Steele, Caring.com’s Chief Caring Expert and the author of Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook and a Really Big Glass of Wine. “Many seniors think they’ll lose their independence if they stop driving, so investigate alternatives like ride-sharing services and public transportation. Also, try to offer rides from family members, friends and neighbors when possible.”
Thirty-one states have stricter rules for older drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. The most common requirement is a more frequent renewal cycle. Eleven states require mature motorists to pass a vision test after a certain age. Only two (Illinois and New Hampshire) mandate a supplemental road test at age 75.
In the following video, Steele discusses the study's findings, along with firsthand advice about taking the keys away from an elderly loved one who should no longer be driving.
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About Caring
With millions of visitors to its flagship website, Caring.com, Caring is a leading senior living referral service and the nation’s top site for senior care reviews. Founded in 2007, Caring’s mission is to help as many seniors and their caregivers as possible through empathetic, expert guidance. Applying cutting-edge technology to this humane mission, Caring provides relevant senior care information and support, as well as comprehensive senior living and senior care directories for the United States, including nearly 400,000 consumer reviews. Through a toll-free referral line at (800) 558-0653, Caring’s trusted, nationwide team of Family Advisors — who are among the most highly trained, highly skilled, and knowledgeable experts in senior care — helps seniors and their families research and connect to the most appropriate services and support for their specific situations. For more information about our organization and our free services for seniors and their families, please visit http://www.caring.com/about and join with Caring on Facebook.