Contribution of Behavioral Aspects of Older Drivers to Fatal Traffic Crashes in Florida

Abstract

Fault in a set of fatal traffic crashes that occurred on state roadways in Florida, primarily in the year 2000, was examined. A case-study approach by a team of trained investigators was taken to examine data compiled from a variety of sources, including traffic homicide reports and crash scene photographs. Crash types were identified in which older drivers were significantly over- and underrepresented in fault. Finally, for crashes in which older drivers were at fault, various contributing factors were identified, including driver errors. Older drivers were overrepresented in fault by a factor of 1.37 compared with younger drivers in the data set. Older drivers were significantly overrepresented in fault in left turn crashes versus oncoming traffic and cross-traffic. Consistent with other work, older drivers were responsible for more intersection than nonintersection crashes. Among other factors, misjudging speeds of other vehicles, failure to observe other vehicles, disregarding traffic signals, and improper (disallowed) left turns were the major driver errors in intersection crashes. Sudden loss of control and driving under the influence of alcohol were the major contributing factors in nonintersection crashes. Approximately 10% of crash contributing factors indicated confusion, inappropriate action, or illegal maneuvers, with more than two-thirds of these cases being attributed to drivers aged 75 years and older. Another important finding of the study is that investigating officers have a tendency to frequently use the term “failure to yield right-of-way,” rather than identifying more specific contributing factors.