Why older pedestrians fare worse in car crashes
Older pedestrians aren't injured by motor vehicles at a greater rate than younger pedestrians, according to 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But they're more likely to die.
Older pedestrians are more likely to suffer fatal injuries in car crashes, despite not facing higher injury rates compared to younger individuals. In 2023, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, more than 1,500 pedestrians aged 65 and above died from such accidents, with nearly 8,200 others injured. The death rate for this age group is notably higher than the overall average.
This concerning trend has remained unchanged for nearly two decades, despite a decline in pedestrian fatalities among all age groups from the mid-2000s to 2024. Factors contributing to heightened risks for older pedestrians include slower movement, impaired vision or hearing, slower reaction times, and greater fragility due to age-related physical declines.
Additionally, larger vehicles on the road, such as SUVs and e-bikes, have become more dangerous. Alcohol consumption also plays a role, as a third of older pedestrians killed in nighttime crashes and about 20% in daytime crashes had elevated blood alcohol levels. To address this issue, federal and local governments have implemented policies like the Vision Zero approach, focusing on safer street design, improved signal timing, and lowered speed limits.
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