(COLORADO)—Driving often equates to independence for many seniors, so it is understandable that our older, often most experienced drivers, want to continue driving as long as possible. However, as we age, safety concerns often arise for both the driver and their loved ones. For Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 1 – 5), the Colorado State Patrol reviewed four years (2021-2024) of serious injury and fatal crash data to understand the risks and factors involved in the most severe crash scenarios investigated by troopers. This data revealed that the fatality rate for drivers 70+ was double that of any other age group.
“Studies have shown that a driver’s risk of death from a crash increases as we age,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “There are so many good things that come with age, like wisdom, resilience, and overall happiness. Yet, we also experience a natural decline physically and slower healing times.”
Serious crashes involve sudden force on the body. The natural effects of aging can leave a driver or passenger more vulnerable even to minor stressors and injuries.
When looking specifically at at-fault fatal crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol for drivers aged 70+ in this same time period, the top three causal factors were:
- Lane Violations
- Distracted Driving
- Failure to Yield Right of Way
“Getting older doesn’t mean you have to hang up your keys automatically; every person is different, and you need to be aware and honest about your individual capabilities,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Some of the key areas people need to pay attention to are their vision, hearing, reflexes, memory, and physical abilities.”
The Colorado State Patrol is recognizing Older Driver Safety Awareness Week this December 1 – 5, 2025. This campaign targets the older, often more experienced drivers and their loved ones about the most common behaviors that lead to serious injury and death for their age group on Colorado roadways.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.