Traffic Safety and Older Drivers

Abstract

Older adults, defined as individuals aged 65 years and older, comprise the fastest-growing segment of the United States population, with a projected increase to 53 million by 2030. 1 United States Census BureauProjections of the size and composition of the U.S. population: 2014 to 2060. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/demo/p25-1143.pdf Google Scholar As the older adult population continues to grow, the number of older drivers will increase. 2 FHWA press releaseOlder drivers set record for second year. Licensed drivers over 65 continue to increase, teen drivers remain at near-record laws [Press Release]. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1720.cfm Google Scholar It is anticipated that there will be an increase in fatalities and injuries from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) among older drivers. 3 Cicchino J.B. McCart A.T. Trends in older driver crash involvement rates and survivability in the United States: an update. Accid Anal Prev. 2014; 72: 44-54https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2014.06.011 Crossref PubMed Scopus (51) Google Scholar Currently, MVC is ranked as the second leading cause of injury-related death, after falls, among persons 65 years and older. 4 Centers for Disease ControlTen Leading Cause of Death by Age Group. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/images/lc-charts/leading_causes_of_death_by_age_group_2017_1100w850h.jpg Google Scholar Common age-related changes that impact functional abilities, in addition to medical conditions and medications, can heighten an older driver’s crash risk. 3 Cicchino J.B. McCart A.T. Trends in older driver crash involvement rates and survivability in the United States: an update. Accid Anal Prev. 2014; 72: 44-54https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2014.06.011 Crossref PubMed Scopus (51) Google Scholar A decreased physiologic reserve to respond to injury increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in this population. 3 Cicchino J.B. McCart A.T. Trends in older driver crash involvement rates and survivability in the United States: an update. Accid Anal Prev. 2014; 72: 44-54https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2014.06.011 Crossref PubMed Scopus (51) Google Scholar In addition, these normal age-related changes complicate the assessment of older patients with trauma. 5 Emergency Nurses AssociationSpecial populations: the geriatric trauma patient. in: Denke N. Trauma Nursing Core Course Provider Manual. 8th ed. Jones and Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA2020: 261-275 Google Scholar Thus, caring for this special population is a clinical challenge for emergency nurses. 5 Emergency Nurses AssociationSpecial populations: the geriatric trauma patient. in: Denke N. Trauma Nursing Core Course Provider Manual. 8th ed. Jones and Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA2020: 261-275 Google Scholar Thelma C. Kuska, Member, IL ENA, is Chair, Injury Prevention Committee and Government Affairs Committee, Emergency Nurses Association Illinois State Council, Palos Heights, IL.