Older drivers safer than most in NSW
Findings released by AAMI insurance suggest drivers aged 55 and older are among the safest on the roads, contrary to the stigma that older drivers are unsafe. The findings are drawn from an analysis of AAMI’s car accident insurance claims and related research.
A recent analysis of AAMI’s NSW car accident insurance claims data collected in 2006 shows that drivers aged 65 and older make up the lowest proportion of these claims – just 9 per cent.
Drivers aged 51-64 account for on fifth of AAMI’s car accident insurance claims (22 per cent) versus drivers aged 31-50 who represent almost half (45 per cent) of these claims. Further, of AAMI’s NSW car insurance policyholders, drivers 51 and older have the lowest cost per accident insurance claim on average.
When AAMI’s senior drivers do make an insurance claim, data indicates the cost of the claim is much less than other, younger drivers.
Data also shows older drivers’ car accidents tend to be less serious and cause less damage, suggesting older drivers may be more conservative and patient when behind the wheel – for example, the top cause of older drivers’ claims is collision with a stationary object.
The research provides an interesting counterpoint to the view that older drivers are less safe on the roads due to their age and some medical conditions typically associated with getting older.
According to AAMI’s research, older drivers are less likely to be impatient and more inclined to refrain from aggressive behaviour while driving. They are less likely to gesture rudely or shout at other drivers. However, most older drivers in NSW have been subjected to some form of road rage/aggressive driving behaviour from other motorists.
