Senior Driver Facts and Statistics
Seniors represent one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S., and they’re staying behind the wheel longer than ever. While many drivers aged 65 and older remain some of the safest on the road, age-related issues like declining vision can increase the likelihood of accidents. If you or a loved one are nearing this phase of life, it’s essential to be aware of the statistics on elderly drivers and how they might impact your safety and insurance considerations.
Senior drivers by the numbers
As of 2022, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports that around 51 million drivers aged 65 and older are licensed, making up nearly 22 percent of all drivers. This marks a significant rise from five years prior, when seniors represented just under 20 percent of the driving population. Today, more seniors hold licenses than those in their 20s.
Notably, men tend to stay on the road much longer than women. Men aged 65 to 84 have the highest percentage of licensed drivers of any male age group. In contrast, women tend to reduce their driving significantly in their late 70s, with a sharp decline beyond age 85. The table below highlights the percentage of licensed drivers in each age group, categorized by gender.
| Age group | Percentage of licensed male drivers | Percentage of licensed female drivers |
| 65-69 | 95.2 | 92.7 |
| 70-74 | 95.6 | 90.3 |
| 75-79 | 96.0 | 87.1 |
| 80-84 | 95.7 | 79.6 |
| 85+ | 87.4 | 55.2 |
Accidents involving senior drivers
In 2022, 5,626 people aged 70 and older were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S., according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This marks a 7 percent increase from 2021 and a 49 percent rise since 1975.
Drivers over 70 face specific risks linked to aging. The IIHS highlights that failure to yield the right of way is the leading cause of accidents for senior drivers, who also experience a higher rate of crashes at intersections compared to younger drivers. Age-related challenges like declining vision, memory issues, and reduced mobility can lead to inadequate road awareness or misjudgment while driving.
Consequently, seniors face a higher likelihood of being involved in traffic incidents, including fatal accidents. Data from the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that crash rates tend to rise as drivers enter their 70s and 80s. With more seniors behind the wheel, these rates have been increasing in recent years.
Number of crashes by age per miles driven
| Age | Fatal crashes per 100 million miles driven | All crashes per million miles driven |
| 65-69 | 1.3 | 2.8 |
| 70-74 | 1.7 | 3.2 |
| 75-79 | 2.1 | 3.6 |
| 80-84 | 4.3 | 5.2 |
| 85+ | 7.6 | 6.6 |
Percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes by age, 2013 – 2022
| Age group | Percentage change from 2021 to 2022 | Percentage change from 2013 to 2022 |
| 15-24 | -5.3% | +18% |
| 25-44 | -3.1% | +43% |
| 45-64 | -2.7% | +24% |
| 65+ | +5.4% | +43% |
Injuries and fatalities
Age-related changes not only increase the likelihood of accidents for older drivers but also make them more susceptible to serious or fatal injuries in the event of a crash due to heightened medical fragility.
Seniors are at greater risk of fatal injuries in car accidents compared to younger drivers because their aging bodies are more vulnerable to trauma. According to the NHTSA, male drivers across all age groups, including seniors, have a higher death rate than females. However, both men and women experience the highest fatality rates in the 85 and older age group.
Insurance claims by senior drivers
According to IIHS data, drivers aged 65 to 69 file fewer collision and property damage liability claims than any other age group. However, after this age, the rate of claims starts to rise for seniors.
Typically, car insurance premiums decrease with age, but seniors may see their rates increase, especially in their late 70s and 80s. At this point, insurance companies may view the risks associated with aging—such as medical fragility and slower reaction times—as outweighing the benefits of driving experience.
Drivers over 70, particularly those aged 85 and older, tend to file more property damage liability claims than any other group over 29.
Number of collisions and property damage liability insurance claims per 100, 2019 – 2023
| Age | Collision claim rate | Property damage liability claim rate |
| 65-69 | 4.35 | 2.07 |
| 70-74 | 4.48 | 2.21 |
| 75-79 | 4.73 | 2.49 |
| 80-84 | 4.91 | 2.79 |
| 85+ | 4.99 | 3.14 |
If finding affordable car insurance as a senior is becoming difficult, it’s worth shopping around and comparing rates from different providers. While most states allow age to be a factor in determining risk, insurers may weigh senior driver statistics differently.
Tips for senior drivers
Aging doesn’t mean seniors have to give up driving or their independence. By following a few key tips, seniors can stay safe behind the wheel and may even reduce their car insurance costs by mitigating risk factors.
Plan before you drive
Before heading out, seniors should plan their routes, suggests the CDC. Knowing the roads ahead of time can reduce stress. Daytime and clear weather driving is safer, as poor weather and night driving increase accident risk. Try to select intersections with designated left-turn signals to avoid having to judge oncoming traffic speed and distance.
Check your medications
Many seniors take multiple medications, which can impact driving ability. Review your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements for side effects that may impair driving. If you have concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist. The CDC provides a Personal Action Plan to help guide this conversation.
Avoid distractions and mind your distance
Avoid distractions like changing the radio station, eating, or using a phone. For seniors with reduced reflexes, these activities can further slow reaction time. Also, keep a safe following distance to allow more time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.
Improve strength and mobility
Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve strength, mobility, and reflexes, all of which contribute to safer driving. Since frailty is a common factor in accidents among seniors, maintaining fitness may help reduce injury risk.
Get your eyes checked annually
Schedule annual eye exams to catch any changes that might affect driving. If you notice sudden vision changes, see your eye doctor right away. Impaired vision can slow down reaction time, making it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, or traffic signs. Always wear prescribed glasses or contacts when driving.
By taking these steps, seniors can continue driving safely while maintaining their independence.
In Conclusion
Statistics show that seniors face unique challenges while driving, but there are steps they can take to reduce the risk of accidents. Most fatal crashes involving elderly drivers occur during the day and on weekdays. While aging can make driving more challenging, regular eye and health checkups, maintaining an exercise routine, and reviewing medications for side effects that could impact driving ability can help seniors stay safer behind the wheel.
