Maine Ranks High in Older Driver Fatality Rates

A new study says Maine ranks fourth in the country in the share of fatal traffic crashes involving drivers 65 and over.

A Washington-based nonprofit research group called TRIP released a report Wednesday evaluating older driver safety and fatality rates.

The report found that 22 percent of fatal accidents in Maine in 2010 involved at least one driver 65 and older. The state ranked ninth in the percentage of its licensed drivers – 18 percent – who are at least 65.

The group says as the baby boom generation begins turning 65, the percentage of older drivers on the road will rise. The report says drivers 65 and older account for 8 percent of all miles driven but comprise 17 percent of all traffic fatalities.