Report: R.I. most dangerous state for older drivers

RHODE ISLAND is the most dangerous state for older drivers, Caring.com said. / COURTESY CARING.COM/GETTY IMAGES
RHODE ISLAND is the most dangerous state for older drivers, Caring.com said. / COURTESY CARING.COM/GETTY IMAGES

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island is the most dangerous state for older drivers, according to a new Caring.com report.
Caring.com, a senior care resource, said it compared the number of people age 65 and older who were killed in car crashes with that group’s share of the population in each state to determine which states were the most dangerous for senior drivers.
In Rhode Island, senior citizens comprised 35 percent of car-related fatalities in 2014, said Caring.com. And, since seniors make up 16 percent of the Ocean State’s population, that means they are 19 percentage points more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than expected, the website said. Caring.com used statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and U.S. Census Bureau to come up with its data.
Despite its No. 1 rank, Rhode Island is one of 31 states with stricter rules for older drivers; at age 75, drivers are subject to more frequent renewals, Caring.com said.
Maine, Minnesota, New York and Idaho round out the top five most dangerous states for older drivers.
In comparison, New Mexico is the least dangerous state for older drivers, Caring.com said. Florida, a top retiree destination, made the top 10 safest, coming in at No. 9. Connecticut was the 10th safest state for older drivers, according to the report.
“It’s never easy to tell mom or grandpa to stop driving, but these numbers show why it’s crucial to have that conversation before it’s too late,” Dayna Steele, Caring.com’s chief caring expert, said in a statement. “Many seniors think they’ll lose their independence if they stop driving, so investigate alternatives like ride-sharing services and public transportation. Also, try to offer rides from family members, friends and neighbors when possible.”

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