Patrol officers saw 2x the fatality rate for those aged 70+
Driving means independence to many older adults, and it’s understandable that our senior drivers, sometimes the most experienced, want to keep driving as long as they can. However, as we get older, there are safety concerns for the driver and their loved ones. For Senior Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 1-5), the Colorado State Patrol examined four years (2021-2024) of fatal and serious injury crash data to understand the risks and conditions that contributed to the most severe crashes investigated by troopers. This revealed that the fatality rate for drivers aged 70 and over was twice that of any other age group.
“Studies have shown that the risk of death for pilots in a crash increases with age,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “There are many good things that come with age, such as wisdom, stamina, and overall happiness. However, we also experience physical decline and slower healing.”
Serious crashes involve sudden forces on the body. The natural effects of aging can leave the driver or passenger more vulnerable to even minor injuries or stress.
When we look at crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol during the same period that were caused by drivers aged 70+, the top 3 causes were:
- Lane violations
- Distracted driving
- Failure to respect the right of way
“Getting older doesn’t mean you have to automatically hand over the keys; everyone is different, and you have to be aware of and honest about your abilities,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Some of the key areas people need to focus on are vision, hearing, reflexes, memory, and physical skills.”
The Colorado State Patrol is observing Mature Driver Safety Awareness Week this December 1-5, 2025. This campaign focuses on mature, sometimes more experienced, drivers and their loved ones about the most common behaviors of this older age group that lead to serious injuries and deaths on Colorado roads.
