Older drivers are involved in fewer crashes than other age groups. They tend to drive conservatively, travel fewer kilometres than other drivers and restrict their driving to times and situations in which they feel safe.
While older drivers don't have as many crashes, they and older passengers, if involved in a crash, are more at risk of being seriously injured or killed. This is principally due to their physical vulnerability. With the same impact force, the fatality rate is approximately three times higher for a 75-year-old motor vehicle occupant than for an 18-year-old one.
Illness and changes that are more common with age increase the risk of older drivers being involved in a crash. These changes may be physical or they may be changes to memory and thinking.
