America's Deadliest States for Senior Drivers Revealed: Where Are Older Motorists Most at Risk? - Social Media Explorer

"A new nationwide study has revealed where senior drivers face the highest risk on U.S. roads - and the results show alarming differences between states. The research, conducted by Florida-based personal injury experts Blakeley Law Firm, analyzed five years of fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The findings identify the ten U.S. states where drivers aged 65 and older are most likely to be involved in deadly collisions."

"Mississippi ranks as the most dangerous state for senior drivers, with 22.97 deaths per 100,000 residents aged 65 and older - roughly 72% higher than the national average of 13.39 deaths per 100,000. From 2019 to 2023, the Magnolia State's senior population of around 535,000 experienced an average of 123 fatal crashes annually, peaking at 139 in 2023. Experts say a mix of rural roadways, limited access to emergency care, and older vehicle fleets may explain the elevated fatality rate."

"Wyoming came second, recording 21.87 senior driver deaths per 100,000 residents aged 65+, while Arkansas ranked third with 20.48 per 100,000. Although Wyoming's senior population is smaller - about 111,000 residents aged 65+ - it still averaged more than two dozen fatal crashes each year. Meanwhile, Arkansas averaged 116 senior driver fatalities annually, highlighting consistent risks for older motorists even in less populated areas."

Five years of NHTSA fatal crash data were analyzed to identify U.S. states with the highest senior driver fatality rates. Mississippi records 22.97 deaths per 100,000 residents aged 65 and older, about 72% higher than the national average of 13.39. From 2019 to 2023 Mississippi averaged 123 fatal crashes annually, peaking at 139 in 2023. Wyoming recorded 21.87 deaths per 100,000 and Arkansas 20.48 per 100,000; Wyoming's senior population near 111,000 still averaged more than two dozen fatal crashes yearly while Arkansas averaged 116 fatalities annually. New York reported 5.42 per 100,000. Experts cite rural roads, limited emergency care access, and older vehicle fleets as contributing factors.

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