Traffic Fatalities among the Elderly Population: The Metro Dade County Experience from 1981 to 1983

Abstract

Traffic fatalities among victims aged 65 years or older were studied in Metro Dade County between the years 1981 and 1983. The cases were then analysed as to the age, race, sex, cause of death and blood alcohol content of the victim. Furthermore, the nature of the accident, the fault, the role of the victim along with seat belt usage, and reason for accident were noted. A discussion ensues as to what advice should be given to the elderly to avoid being a highway statistic.