According to a recent analysis, the number of licensed drivers over 70 is on the rise in this country.
Although ValuePenguin did the analysis, the raw data for the analysis comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a federal agency. ValuePenguin is an online platform that allows consumers to compare different financial products like insurance or loans.
The analysis concluded that over the last 10 years, the number of licensed drivers over 70 has increased by around 30%.
Nationally and as of 2022, 14.5% of drivers are over 70. Both Kentucky and Ohio hover close to this national average. In Kentucky, drivers over 70 account for 15.0% of all drivers, and the number is 14.8% in Ohio.
To be clear, an individual driver over 70 is not necessarily more dangerous than their younger counterparts. Authorities and families need to pay attention to an individual’s medical history and conditions rather than assuming that a certain age, a person is no longer a safe driver.
However, certain medical problems that tend to affect older people can make it hard to drive. Likewise, certain medications or treatments for common medical issues can make driving difficult. Even some ordinary aspects of the body’s aging process can make it harder for people to operate a vehicle safely.
On this note, along with the number of drivers over 70, the number of deadly accidents involving motorists over the age of 65 has also slowly risen over the last decade. As of 2022, 23.6% of all fatal accidents involved drivers over 65.
Those who are injured in a motor vehicle accident have legal options
Importantly, no matter their age, drivers in Northern Kentucky have an obligation to drive safely and attentively. If a physical or other condition prevents them from doing so, they should find other transportation.
If they choose to drive and wind up hurting someone, their victims may have the legal right to compensation.