According to data that was provided by the NHTSA, in 2018, there were 29 million licensed drivers who were 70 or older. Additional data indicates that while the number of total seniors aged 70 and older grew in population, the number of crashes that involve senior drivers has declined.
Being able to drive is a key component in maintaining independence as a senior. While seniors tend to have more accidents per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers, they also have fewer accidents than younger drivers.
In 2018, 4,973 drivers aged 70 or older were killed in motor vehicle accidents. The number of fatalities is 15% fewer than the number of elders who were killed in 1997.
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The Daily Voice reports that a woman was seriously injured in a crash involving a single vehicle on Long Island.
The crash occurred at about 7:40 p.m. May 27 on La Rue Drive in Huntington.
88-year-old Richard Scholem was driving a 2008 Nissan Altima eastbound when he lost control of the vehicle. He veered off-road and collided with a tree.
Scholem was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. His wife, 89-year-old Ann Scholem, was transported to another hospital with major injuries. The current status of Scholem’s wife has not yet been released to the public.
The Nissan that Scholem was driving was impounded for a safety check. It is unclear if speed was a factor in the accident.
Police are still investigating the accident. Anyone with any information should contact the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.
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