Traffic Violations Versus Driving Errors: Implications for Older Female Drivers

Research has shown that rates for motor vehicle–related crashes are twice as high for older men as for older women, but the proportion of fatalities is higher for older women. To better understand driving errors made in crashes and to suggest prevention strategies, this study (a) classified violations underlying crashes into errors made during on-road assessments; (b) quantified age, gender, and types of driving errors as predictors of postcrash injury; and (c) examined whether different violations and driving errors occur in different age cohorts (≤75 and >75 years). The 2005 Florida Traffic Crash Records Database (N = 5,345 older drivers) was used to select violations underlying crashes. The mean age was 76.08 (standard deviation = 7.10), with 2,445 (45.7%) female drivers. Female drivers had statistically significantly more failure to yield (intersection or alley– driveway), failure to obey required traffic controls, and speed-related violations predictive of crash-related injuries. A greater percentage of injured female drivers made statistically significantly more yielding errors (p 75 years) women were compared with their age cohorts. The findings show that compared with older male drivers, older female drivers are at a greater risk for injuries from crash-related violations and driving errors. This finding holds true when younger and older female drivers are compared with their age cohorts. Injury prevention strategies on the person, vehicle, and environmental levels must receive serious consideration and be tested empirically for effectiveness.