Fatal crashes involving older drivers have surged 41% in the past decade, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As America’s population ages, families face a growing challenge: how to balance independence and safety for loved ones behind the wheel.

The numbers tell the story

• Adults 65 and older now make up 18% of the U.S. population, and that number is rising.
• Between 2014 and 2023, the population of older adults grew 28%, but fatal crashes involving older drivers grew even faster—up 41%.
• In 2023 alone, 7,891 people 65 and older were killed in traffic crashes, accounting for 19% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.
• In New York State, 21.7% of traffic fatalities involved drivers 65 and older, according to NHTSA.

The risk is highest among drivers 80 and older, who have the highest fatality rate per 100,000 population.

Driving is a complex task that depends on strength, flexibility, vision, and cognition—all of which can change with age. Medications and medical conditions can also affect driving ability. Yet, for many older adults, driving represents independence and connection to their community.

“The topic of driving may feel sensitive for many older drivers,” said AAA Western and Central New York Driver Training Manager Mike Formanowicz. “For this reason, we encourage family members and caregivers to have a conversation about safe driving with the older adults in their lives. Helping older drivers understand how physical and cognitive changes may affect driving abilities can help extend independent driving or determine how best to handle driving scenarios.”

Start the conversation 

AAA and NHTSA urge families and caregivers to talk with older drivers about safe driving. These conversations can feel sensitive, but delaying them often makes things harder. Here are some tips:

• Show empathy and compassion—focus on safety, not age.
• Plan ahead for mobility beyond the driver’s seat by exploring alternative transportation options.
• Encourage medical check-ins and share any driving-related concerns with healthcare providers.

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