New report shows decline in number of older drivers involved in fatal crashes

SACRAMENTO – A report issued last month by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the rate of older drivers involved in fatal crashes has shown a significant decline over the past 10 years - down 37 percent from 1997 to 2008.

That trend is also reflected in California, where a recent California DMV study indicates that fatal crash involvement of drivers over the age of 70 has dropped from 31 percent in 1980 to 13 percent in 2008.

Seniors are now better educated about personal health issues, their driving skills and the inherent risks involved in operating motor vehicles, says DM...