By Karla Sullivan
In 2011, there were an estimated 28.5 million people 70 and older living in the United States, representing about 9 percent of the population. Based on data reported by states to the Federal Highway Administration, there were approximately 22.6 million licensed drivers 70 and older in 2011. This represented approximately 79 percent of the population 70 and older and about 11 percent of drivers of all ages.
Older drivers have low rates of police-reported crash involvements per capita; their per capita fatal crash rates begin to increase at age 70 according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Some caution should be used when comparing crash rates per mile traveled of different age groups. Older drivers generally travel fewer annual miles than most other age groups and, similar to low-mileage drivers of other ages, they tend to accumulate much of their mileage in city driving conditions. In contrast, drivers who accumulate higher annual miles tend to do drive more freeways or divided multi-lane roads, which generally have much lower crash rates per mile traveled than other types of roads.
Insurance claims provide another view of crashes of all severity. Property damage liability claims are filed when an at-fault driver damages someone else s property. Collision coverage insures one’s own vehicle against loss caused by a crash. Although not as high as for the youngest drivers, property damage liability claims and collision claims per insured vehicle year start increasing after about age 65, meaning that seniors are involved in crashes more often.
As a result, licensing procedures for older drivers typically 65 or 70 include shorter time between renewal periods, generally requesting testing in person and sometimes a medical exam is required depending on driving history. States generally have a board of examiners that will review medical conditions and a medical report may be issued to be signed by a physician.
One 92-year-old resident of Illinois is able to drive within so many miles of her home in her small town but is restricted from driving at night. In Illinois, renewal applicants that are 75 years and older must take a road test. Accelerated renewal is two years for drivers ages 81-86 and 1 year of drivers 87 and older. Renewal fees are free for older than 87. Seniors are favored in retaining their independence with careful evaluation.
Most studies suggest that seniors drive less as they age. As result, some automobile insurance agencies tends to reduce premiums with less miles. Of course, insurance premiums are also based on the past driving history. Check with your auto insurance each year for discounts you might be eligible.
