Senior Automobile Crashes and Fatalities in Texas: Are Older Texas Drivers Safe

摘要

Many factors can contribute to a senior being involved in a traffic accident, i.e. poor vision, declining health, roadway hazards, and declining driving skills, etc. Throughout the US, laws are being enacted to ensure that seniors can continue driving without harming themselves or the general public. Katies Law (H.B. 84) represents an attempt to make roadways safer for senior drivers in Texas. Katies Law requires that elderly persons age 79 and over must renew their licenses in person at Department of Safety offices. This study examines data from Texas Department of Transportations (TxDOTs) accident records during 2003-2008, to determine if enacting Katies law resulted in a decrease in senior fatalities. Finally, the study ends by looking at additional senior friendly transportation initiatives.