A comprehensive analysis of nine years’ worth of US nationwide highway traffic data has demonstrated that older drivers who drink alcohol or use drugs face an increased risk of being at fault in car crashes.
The study, which examined a sample of 87,060 drivers involved in two-vehicle accidents, revealed that more than one-third of these incidents involved drivers over the age of 70 who tested positive for substances, despite the fact that older drivers are generally less likely to report substance use.
The results have been released in the Traffic Injury Prevention journal.
Study Reveals Older Drivers with Substance Use Issues Up to Four Times More Likely to Cause Car Crashes
“In general older drivers are at an elevated risk for being at-fault in a fatal car crash, this is especially the case when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” remarks the lead author, Dr. Satish Kedia.
According to the CDC, the number of licensed drivers in the United States aged 65 and above reached nearly 48 million in 2020, representing a significant 68% surge since 2000. Regrettably, the same year witnessed approximately 7,500 seniors losing their lives in vehicle accidents, with an additional 200,000 experiencing injuries.
Kedia emphasized that driving undeniably plays a vital role in enhancing the mobility, engagement in activities, and independence of older adults.
“But it is really important that this is done within the context of the law,” as their latest work “shows just how much aging increases the risk of being at-fault for injury or fatality in a drug or alcohol-related traffic accident.”
Lead author Kedia and a team of researchers from the University of Memphis, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Kent State University, and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania collaborated on a groundbreaking study. Their research focused on analyzing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, covering the period from 2010 to 2018. The primary objective was to investigate the influence of substance use, encompassing alcohol, cannabinoids, stimulants, narcotics, depressants, and hallucinogens, on the likelihood of older adult drivers being responsible for fatal crashes on public roads in the United States.
In the study, the research team examined a total of 43,530 pairs of two-vehicle crashes involving moving vehicles. Out of these incidents, approximately 42% of the drivers were found to have used substances. Notably, among the individuals involved in these crashes, there were 1,978 adults aged 70 and above, with an additional 1,454 drivers over the age of 80.
Study Highlights Elevated Crash Risk Among Elderly Drivers Under the Influence of Substances
The findings revealed notable variations in crash ratios among drivers belonging to various age categories. Specifically, drivers aged 70-79 years exhibited a crash involvement ratio of 1.17, while the figure more than doubled to 2.56 for drivers aged over 80 years. Conversely, the crash involvement ratio remained relatively low among drivers aged 20 to 69 years.
The study emphasized that substance use, irrespective of age, significantly amplified the likelihood of being at fault during a crash. Even after accounting for factors such as driver’s sex, road grade, weather, light conditions, distraction, and speeding at the time of the crash using regression models, the research findings indicated that older substance-impaired drivers were twice as likely to be at fault in fatal crashes.
The study’s key takeaways emphasize the necessity for tailored awareness campaigns aimed at older adults, stressing the risks associated with impaired driving. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the unique challenges posed by substance use among elderly drivers, ultimately aiming to enhance road safety for all.
The recommendations from the research team to policymakers involve several practical measures, such as enhancing visibility markers like road markings, designated left-turn lanes, and intersection signals on public roads to assist older drivers with visual impairments. Additionally, equipping new car models with features like blind spot detection and automatic seatbelt pretensioners can also contribute to the cause.
Furthermore, the researchers suggest that authorities consider shortening the license renewal cycle for drivers over 65 and mandating in-person vision and knowledge assessments, along with referrals for cognitive and functional ability evaluations. These steps could help ensure that elderly drivers maintain their safety and the safety of others on the roads.
“I know that it is important for seniors to have a sense of independence and driving helps with the overall quality of life,” Kedia added. “However, our findings indicate the need for concerted efforts to prevent both drunk and drugged driving for all age groups, especially among older adults.”
According to evidence, the most effective measures to limit driving while intoxicated (DWI) are robust DWI laws, their enforcement, and regular sobriety checkpoints. These methods would be more impactful if coupled with educational interventions that promote awareness of the laws and the hazards of impaired driving for all age groups.
“Obviously, we do not want to dissuade older people from driving, but knowing the risks involved and taking precautions can help everyone. We just want to persuade them to drive safely for the sake of themselves and others,” added Dr. Kedia.
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