Increasing number of accidents: older drivers endanger themselves and others!

Increasing number of accidents: older drivers endanger themselves and others!

More and more older people in Germany are in serious traffic accidents. The number of drivers at the age of 75 and older who are involved in such accidents increased dramatically in 2023. This emerges from current statistics that document an increase of 26 percent compared to 2013. Exposed in numbers, 21,500 people of this age group have been involved in accidents with dead or injuries, such as radioeuskirchen.de

Although the total number of serious accidents decreased by 12 percent in the same period to around 303,800, the age group of over 75-year-olds remains particularly problematic. While in North Rhine-Westphalia the number of accident participants was only reduced by a total of 3 percent, it rose by 26 percent for drivers aged 75 and over to around 4,180. 77 percent of these accidents caused the drivers themselves, which underlines the need for discussion about possible restrictions for seniors in road traffic. According to the sueddeutsche.de are often the disregard the right of way.

mobility and accident risks

Mobility of older people has increased significantly in recent years. The number of driver's license holders over 75 years rose from 2.5 million in 2015 to almost 5.9 million in 2024. This development means that more and more seniors are on the road, especially in rural areas where alternative means of transport are often missing.

However, this increased mobility also brings risks. From the age of 75, the risk of accidents increases significantly, which is attributed to declining concentration, attention and speed of reaction. According to statistical surveys, older drivers often disregard the traffic rules, in particular the right of way, compared to younger drivers.

statistical insights and health considerations

Despite these alarm signs, it can be noted that older people (from 65 years) are less frequent in traffic accidents overall than younger people. In 2021, around 66,812 people aged 65 and over were involved in accidents, which corresponds to 14.5 percent of all those involved. The lower accident participation could be related to the fact that older people take less in road traffic and are often vulnerable as unprotected pedestrians. Especially in the event of accidents with seniors, they have the main debt in 68.2 percent of cases, for the over 75-year-olds even in 75.9 percent, as reported by Destatis.de

The accident data show that older drivers face special challenges, especially in complex traffic situations. In order to address these problems, voluntary refresher courses and feedback trips are offered that enable older drivers to improve their driving style without this having negative consequences for their driver's license.

The debate about medical health checks for older drivers remains controversial. While some experts require regular review and renewal of driving license for seniors, the EU Parliament has spoken out against mandatory requirements. These aspects show the need for sensitive use of mobility in old age.