This study describes the fatal crash experiences of older drivers. Data from two U.S. databases (NASS-CDS and PARS) were used. Several crash, vehicle, and occupant characteristics were compared across age groups, including vehicle type, crash direction (PDOF), severity ( Delta V), and injured body region. A sub-set of 97 fatally injured drivers was chosen for a detailed case study. The mean travel speed, Delta V, and airbag deployment rate decreased significantly with age (p<0.001 unless noted). Mortality rate increased significantly with age. Older drivers killed were significantly more likely to die of a chest injury (47.3 % vs. 24.0 % in youngest group) and less likely to die of a head injury (22.0% vs. 47.1% in youngest group). Older drivers were more likely to die at a date after the crash date ('delayed death'), as were males (p=0.003). A 16-year-old driver had a 10.8 %-12.0 % probability of delayed death, while a 75-year-old had a 20.7 %-22.7 % probability. For those having a delayed death, the length of the delay increased significantly with age (2.9 days for age 16 vs. 7.9 for age 75). A subjective assessment of the case files indicated that frailty or a pre-existing health condition played a role in 4.3 % of the younger drivers' deaths, but 50.0 % of the older group.
On the fatal crash experience of older drivers
Über Erfahrungen mit tödlichen Unfällen älterer Fahrzeugführer
2005
21 Seiten, 16 Quellen
Conference paper
English
On the Fatal Crash Experience of Older Drivers
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