In 2007, (the latest date such information is available for) 13 percent of the total United States resident population were people age 65 and older.

There were 30 million older licensed drivers in 2006–an 18-percent increase from 1996.  In contrast, the total number of licensed drivers increased by only 13 percent from 1996-2006.  Older drivers made up 15 percent of all licensed drivers in 2006, compared with 14 percent in 1996.

In 2007, 196,000 older individuals were injured in traffic crashes, accounting for 8 percent of all the people injured in traffic crashes during the year.  These older individuals made up 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, 14 percent of all vehicle occupant fatalities, and 19 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.

Most traffic fatalities involving older drivers in 2007 occurred during the daytime (79%), occurred on weekdays (72%), and involved other vehicles (71%).

Of all adult drivers, older drivers involved in fatal crashes had the lowest proportion of total drivers with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.  Among all fatally injured adult pedestrians, older pedestrians also had the lowest proportion of total pedestrians with BAC of .08 g/dL or higher.

Over three-fourths (77%) of all older occupants of passenger vehicles involved in fatal crashes were using restraints at the time of the crash, compared to 63 percent for other adult occupants.

For older people, 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2007 occurred at non-intersection locations.  For other pedestrians, 81 percent of fatalities occurred at non-intersection locations.  In two-vehicle fatal crashes involving an older driver and a younger driver, the vehicle driven by the older person was nearly twice as likely to be the one that was struck.  In 46 percent of these crashes, both vehicles were proceeding straight at the time of the collision.  In 25 percent, the older driver was turning left–5 times more often than the younger driver.

To speak with a nursing home attorney today, call Berman & Riedel, LLP at (858) 350-8855.  Our attorneys will happily provide you and your family with an initial free consultation to discuss with you any questions or concerns you may have regarding the care an elderly loved one is receiving in a San Diego nursing home or other type of Southern California elder care facility.  To learn more about the firm, visit www.preventelderabuse.com.