Mercedes Ayuso1, Rodrigo Sánchez2, Miguel Santolino2. 1. Department of Econometrics, Riskcenter-IREA, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 690, 08034 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: mayuso@ub.edu. 2. Department of Econometrics, Riskcenter-IREA, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 690, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This article analyzes the effect of driver's age in crash severity with a particular focus on those over the age of 65. The greater frequency and longevity of older drivers around the world suggests the need to introduce a possible segmentation within this group at risk, thus eliminating the generic interval of 65 and over as applied today in road safety data and in the automobile insurance sector. METHOD: We investigate differences in the severity of traffic crashes among two subgroups of older drivers -young-older (65-75) and old-older (75+), and findings are compared with the age interval of drivers under 65. Here, we draw on data for 2016 provided by Spanish Traffic Authority. Parametric and semi-parametric regression models are applied. RESULTS: We identified the factors related to the crash, vehicle, and driver that have a significant impact on the probability of the crash being slight, serious, or fatal for the different age groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that crash severity and the expected costs of crashes significantly increase when the driver is over the age of 75. Practical Applications: Our results have obvious implications for regulators responsible for road safety policies - most specifically as they consider there should be specific driver licensing requirements and driving training for elderly - and for the automobile insurance industry, which to date has not examined the impact that the longevity of drivers is likely to have on their balance sheets.
INTRODUCTION: This article analyzes the effect of driver's age in crash severity with a particular focus on those over the age of 65. The greater frequency and longevity of older drivers around the world suggests the need to introduce a possible segmentation within this group at risk, thus eliminating the generic interval of 65 and over as applied today in road safety data and in the automobile insurance sector. METHOD: We investigate differences in the severity of traffic crashes among two subgroups of older drivers -young-older (65-75) and old-older (75+), and findings are compared with the age interval of drivers under 65. Here, we draw on data for 2016 provided by Spanish Traffic Authority. Parametric and semi-parametric regression models are applied. RESULTS: We identified the factors related to the crash, vehicle, and driver that have a significant impact on the probability of the crash being slight, serious, or fatal for the different age groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that crash severity and the expected costs of crashes significantly increase when the driver is over the age of 75. Practical Applications: Our results have obvious implications for regulators responsible for road safety policies - most specifically as they consider there should be specific driver licensing requirements and driving training for elderly - and for the automobile insurance industry, which to date has not examined the impact that the longevity of drivers is likely to have on their balance sheets.
Authors: Cristina Alvarez-Peregrina; Clara Martinez-Perez; Cesar Villa-Collar; Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Tena Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-18 Impact factor: 3.390