According to a new study by iSelect, Texas ranks as the third most dangerous state for senior drivers.
During the last three years the state has recorded 3,072 crashes involving motorists 65 and older.
Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the study indicates that crashes involving senior drivers in Texas have increased by 5 percent since 2021.
This rise in incidents is part of a broader trend as the American population ages, with more senior citizens remaining active on the roads. Adrian Bennett, General Manager of General Insurance at iSelect, emphasized the need for policies that balance mobility and safety as the number of senior drivers increases.
“As ageing populations grow, the presence of senior drivers on the roads will only increase,” Bennett said. “With a higher proportion of old drivers comes a greater responsibility for governments, insurers and communities to ensure that mobility doesn’t come at the expense of safety.”
Senior drivers face challenges from age-related changes in physical and cognitive abilities, such as slower reflexes and reaction times, declining vision and hearing, and reduced strength and flexibility.
Other difficulties include the side effects of medications, memory issues, and challenges with situational awareness, especially in complex or stressful driving conditions like heavy traffic or bad weather.