As the U.S. population ages, road safety for senior citizens becomes an ever-growing concern.
A large portion of older drivers remains fully capable and safe behind the wheel, but the risk for accidents increases due to age-related factors such as declining vision, slower reaction times, and medical conditions.
According to recent research by Dismuke Law, certain counties in the U.S. pose a higher risk for seniors due to various geographic, environmental, and infrastructure-related factors.
Using National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2017 to 2021, Dismuke Law identified the counties where seniors are most at risk, highlighting regions with a high percentage of fatal crashes involving drivers over 65.
Below, we delve into the 10 most treacherous counties for seniors to drive in, focusing on the unique challenges these areas present for older drivers.
1. White County, Georgia
Fatalities involving older drivers: 34% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 17
White County in Georgia tops the list with a staggering 34% of fatal accidents involving older drivers. With winding mountain roads and limited visibility in certain areas, this county presents significant challenges to senior drivers.
The terrain of the North Georgia mountains can be particularly difficult to navigate, especially for seniors who may have reduced reflexes or vision.
While rural counties like White may have fewer cars on the road, they often lack the infrastructure and lighting necessary to make driving safer for older individuals. Additionally, wildlife crossings and narrow roads contribute to the risk of crashes.
Older drivers, who may not be familiar with these challenging driving conditions, are more likely to encounter sudden hazards or delays in reaction time that can lead to accidents.
For seniors in this region, it is advisable to avoid driving during dusk or dawn, when wildlife is more likely to appear on roads.
2. Worth County, Georgia
Fatalities involving older drivers: 31.67% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 19
Worth County, also in Georgia, ranks second with a significant 31.67% of fatal crashes involving older drivers.
The county’s rural environment, combined with long stretches of highway and open farmland, increases the risk of collisions.
With fewer traffic signals, less policing, and a low population density, the roads in Worth County tend to be high-speed and less regulated.
For older drivers, the lack of effective signage or clear lane markings on country roads can make navigating these areas even more hazardous.
Moreover, Worth County experiences periodic weather changes that may impact road conditions. Rain, fog, and even occasional ice during the winter months can make driving particularly treacherous.
As a result, seniors in this area should consider using public transportation or seeking alternatives to driving during adverse weather conditions.
3. Effingham County, Illinois
Fatalities involving older drivers: 31.58% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 18
With a population of around 34,688 people, Effingham County, Illinois, sees a considerable number of fatal accidents involving senior drivers 18 out of 57 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021.
The county is located along major highways, including I-70 and I-57, which serve as important corridors for both commercial and passenger traffic.
These highways can be particularly challenging for older drivers, as the fast-paced flow of large trucks, coupled with complex interchanges and on-ramps, can result in dangerous driving conditions.
The rural roads in Effingham County also contribute to a higher risk. With sparse lighting, poorly maintained roads, and limited access to emergency services, older drivers face increased dangers in this part of Illinois.
To reduce the risks, senior drivers should consider avoiding peak travel times, when traffic is heaviest, and ensure their vehicle is well-maintained for long trips on rural roads.
4. Dubuque County, Iowa
Fatalities involving older drivers: 31.37% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 16
Dubuque County, Iowa, has a 31.37% fatal crash rate for older drivers, with 16 fatalities over five years.
Known for its picturesque hills along the Mississippi River, Dubuque features steep, winding roads that are particularly challenging during adverse weather conditions.
The county’s hilly terrain can make it harder for seniors to control their vehicles, particularly in icy conditions during the winter months.
While Dubuque is more urbanized compared to other counties on the list, the mix of rural and urban roads means that seniors may still face dangerous driving conditions, especially in areas where roads narrow and visibility is compromised.
With aging infrastructure and a higher number of older vehicles on the road, the risks increase. Seniors should be mindful of weather patterns, as heavy rain, snow, and fog can significantly reduce visibility and road traction.
5. Sumter County, Florida
Fatalities involving older drivers: 30.65% of fatal crashes Total number of older drivers involved: 29
Sumter County, Florida, home to the rapidly growing retirement community The Villages, sees a substantial percentage 30.65% of fatal accidents involving seniors.
With one of the largest concentrations of retirees in the nation, the county has a higher number of elderly drivers on the roads, which can lead to more accidents.
Many seniors in this area frequently switch between different modes of transportation, such as golf carts and cars, creating potential confusion when transitioning between vehicles.
The high volume of senior drivers also contributes to accidents. Seniors, especially those who drive older cars, may lack modern safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and other advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that help prevent crashes.
To minimize risk, older drivers should consider using public transportation or arranging rides with family and friends for longer trips.
6. Somerset County, Maine
Fatalities involving older drivers: 30% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 15
In Somerset County, Maine, over 30% of fatal accidents involved drivers aged 65 or older. With nearly a quarter of its residents over the age of 65, the county has a high proportion of older drivers.
The region’s cold, snowy winters pose a significant risk to senior drivers, as icy roads can severely impair a driver’s ability to navigate safely.
Moreover, many rural areas in Somerset lack streetlights and other safety features, increasing the danger of accidents at night or in low visibility conditions.
The rural nature of the county also means longer emergency response times, which can turn a minor accident into a more serious or fatal incident for elderly drivers.
Seniors should exercise caution when driving during the winter months, particularly on rural roads where snow and ice are not always cleared promptly.
7. Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
Fatalities involving older drivers: 30.26% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 23
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, has 30.26% of fatal crashes involving seniors. With its mix of rural roads and small towns, Northumberland County features long stretches of highways where older drivers may feel less able to react in time to sudden obstacles or traffic changes.
The terrain and aging infrastructure further contribute to the risks. Narrow roads and sharp turns, combined with high-speed limits on rural highways, increase the likelihood of an accident.
In addition, the county is home to several senior living communities, which means a higher number of elderly drivers.
The slow-moving pace of rural life often encourages long drives, especially for those in need of medical care or supplies, but this increases the risk of fatigue and reduced attention on the road.
8. Haywood County, North Carolina
Fatalities involving older drivers: 30% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 12
Haywood County, North Carolina, known for its beautiful mountains and serene retirement spots, presents significant challenges for older drivers.
With 30% of fatal crashes involving seniors, the county’s mountainous terrain and winding roads are a major factor.
Steep hills and hairpin curves, combined with high winds, make driving in Haywood County treacherous for anyone, but especially for older drivers who may have difficulty maneuvering through such difficult conditions.
Despite being a popular retirement destination, Haywood’s rural nature and lack of adequate road infrastructure can be hazardous to seniors, especially during inclement weather or at night.
The combination of steep grades, poor lighting, and limited traffic enforcement increases the risk of crashes.
9. Beaufort County, North Carolina
Fatalities involving older drivers: 30% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 9
Similar to Haywood County, Beaufort County, North Carolina, has a large senior population due to its coastal attractions.
Despite its status as a retirement hotspot, Beaufort’s rural roads and less-developed infrastructure make it a hazardous place for elderly drivers.
Many of the county’s older residents rely on personal vehicles for daily travel, but the narrow, poorly lit roads can be treacherous, especially when combined with fog, rain, and high winds that often affect coastal areas.
Given the county’s aging infrastructure, senior drivers should be particularly cautious about unfamiliar roads and consider avoiding longer trips that may lead to fatigue.
10. San Jacinto County, Texas
Fatalities involving older drivers: 29.63% of fatal crashes
Total number of older drivers involved: 6
San Jacinto County, Texas, has a relatively lower percentage of seniors (23%), but the 29.63% of fatal crashes involving older drivers still places it among the most dangerous counties for seniors.
The county’s rural roads, coupled with high-speed highways and frequent rainfall, present unique challenges.
These conditions make it difficult for seniors to drive safely, especially those who may not be as responsive to sudden weather or traffic changes.
Older drivers in this region should consider utilizing safer routes or travel alternatives, particularly when road conditions are poor or visibility is reduced.
Alicia Richards