Study finds New Jersey ranks in top 10 for fatal crashes involving senior drivers

New Jersey ranks sixth in the percentage of fatal crashes involving drivers 65-years of age or older and 10th in the total number of licensed drivers in the same age group, according to a national study released this week.

The report, “Keeping Baby Boomers Mobile: Preserving the Mobility and Safety of Older Americans” was released by TRIP, a non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C.

“The growing ranks of older Americans will far outpace previous generations with their level of mobility and activity. Serving their needs will require a transportation system that includes safer roads, safer vehicles safer drivers and improved choices,” Will Wilkins, executive director of TRIP said in a statement.

According to the report, New Jersey has a little more than one million total licensed drivers 65-years or older. Pennsylvania ranked fourth, according to the report.

When it comes to improving safety for seniors, the report recommends clearer and brighter signage and adding rumble strips to warn drivers when they are leaving the road, among other recommendations.

John Dee, spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Transportation says the department has embraced the recommendations offered by the TRIP report and has already implemented many of them to help keep the state’s roads safer.

Dee says the state is even experimenting with rumble strips down the middle of smaller state highways.

Dee says regardless of the conditions you’re facing, the department is always looking to take measures that can improve safety.

Among its other recommendations, the report also suggests states promote education and training programs for older drivers.

You can read the full TRIP report on the tripnet.org website.