CTDOT Press Releases
12/04/2023
Let’s All Do Our Part to Keep Older Drivers Safe on the Road
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is December 4 - 8, 2023. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to deliver information and guidance to help the families and caretakers of older drivers have open and honest discussions with their older loved ones to ensure they are safe on the road for years to come.
In 2021, the last year of verifiable data, older adults (65 and older) accounted for approximately 17% of all people killed in traffic crashes in the United States. According to NHTSA, from 2020 to 2021, there was a 14% increase in the number of people 65 and older killed in traffic crashes.
In Connecticut in 2021, 42 older adults were involved in fatal traffic crashes, accounting for 14% of all roadway fatalities.
Between 2012 and 2021, the United States population of people 65 and older increased by 22%. As the older driver population continues to grow on our nation’s roads, promoting safe behaviors for drivers who are older is more critical than ever.
“No matter the age of the person getting behind the wheel, it is important that they are slowing down, paying attention, and driving sober,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “There are many things that may impact someone’s ability to operate a motor vehicle, like prescription medicines. So whether you are 18 or 80, remember that we all share a responsibility to keep each other safe on the roadway.”
Families and caregivers are encouraged to sit down with the older drivers in their lives to discuss their driving and work on a plan that may help identify alternative transportation options, if necessary. Talking with an older family member or friend may be difficult. Here are some tips to help:
- Encourage older drivers to have their vision and hearing checked regularly.
- Review current medications and speak with healthcare providers to ensure potential negative interactions that may impact the ability to drive safely are avoided.
- Recommend that older drivers plan trips during the daytime when there is better visibility and traffic is typically lighter.
- Investigate ways to adapt a vehicle to make sure it meets the specific needs of the driver.
NHTSA offers free resources on keeping safe as drivers age and provides information about how families and caregivers can create a safe system for all roadway users, whether they are driving, walking, using mobility aids, or cycling.
Learn more by visiting nhtsa.gov/road-safety/older-drivers.
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