Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

6-2010

Subject Area

Location - USA, Modes of Transport - Car - Driving, Modes of Transport - Car - Licence, Population - Older driver, Transport services - Safety, Population - Driving cessation

Abstract

The 2000 Census indicated that roughly 10 percent of Texas’ population was 65 and older. By 2030, this number could reach 16 percent. Most of this senior population growth will be in suburban counties, which frequently lack transit. Nonetheless, even in counties where transit is available, many seniors prefer to use automobiles. As a result, more seniors will continue to drive on local streets and freeways and may have an accident. National data for seniors indicate a decrease in fatal crashes between 2003 and 2008. However, this same trend does not prove true for Texas’ seniors. This study reviewed crash and fatality data from the Texas Department of Transportation for 2003 to 2008 to determine if enacting Katie’s Law (HB 84) in Texas decreased the number of senior fatalities. After a preliminary review of Texas’ data, the following findings are noted below: • From 2003 to 2008, 2,751 seniors died from driving or being a passenger, or from being a pedestrian involved in an automobile accident. • Texas’ senior fatality data does not follow the trend seen in national data where senior fatalities are decreasing. While Texas’ senior deaths declined during the study period, the data show marked fluctuations with increases and decreases. • Senior deaths peaked in 2004 with a record 554 deaths. Senior deaths dropped to the lowest point in 2008 with 397. • Although significantly fewer females died, both senior male and female fatalities fluctuated during the study period. • Weather conditions did not appear to have an effect on the number of senior deaths. Approximately 90 percent of all accidents occurred on clear days.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by TRANSED 2010, copyright remains with them.