Most and least dangerous states for senior drivers

If you have an elderly loved one who is driving into their 80s or 90s, it’s only normal to worry about their safety on the road.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, seniors have a higher death rate per mile driven than any other group. They are the most fragile. 

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The most dangerous states for elderly drivers

A new Caring.com study says some states are more dangerous than others for older drivers.

Using government data, the study compared the number of people 65 and older killed in car accidents in each state with that age group’s share of the state’s population.

Factors such as state driving laws, weather and population density played a role.

The most dangerous state was Rhode Island, according to Caring.com, which found elderly drivers accounted for 35% of car-related deaths in 2014. Seniors make up only 16% of the state’s population.

Rhode Island requires those 75 and older to renew their driver’s license every two years.

Most dangerous states

1. Rhode Island
2. Maine
3. Minnesota
4. New York
5. Idaho
6. Pennsylvania
7. Hawaii
8. New Jersey
9. Washington
10. Delaware

On the other hand, Caring.com found that New Mexico was the safest state for older drivers. Seniors account for more than 15% of the state’s population, but the group made up 9% of driving deaths in 2014.

New Mexico requires those 75 and older to renew their driver’s license every year.

Safest states

1. New Mexico
2. North Dakota
3. Louisiana
4. Alaska
5. Montana
6. Mississippi
7. South Carolina
8. Wyoming
9. Florida
10. Connecticut

If you’re concerned about your driving, AAA has a free online tool that will help you rate your ability to keep driving safely. It’s 15 questions and only takes a couple of minutes to complete. 

Read more: This new safety feature could help prevent hot car deaths