New study names South Carolina 15th most dangerous state in US for senior drivers

FILE – This image provided by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History shows a design for the South Carolina state flag rejected by a Senate committee on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The committee went for symmetry over a more natural look as it made a recommendation Wednesday to standardize the state’s iconic palmetto tree and crescent flag. (South Carolina Department of Archives and History via AP)

(WCIV) — A new study claims South Carolina is the 15th most dangerous state in the country for senior drivers, with almost 1,000 crashes recorded in a three-year period involving drivers over the age of 65.

Australian insurance and utilities cost-comparison service iSelect analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Administration and found that senior driver crashes have risen 3% in the state since 2021.

Between 2021 and 2023, the NHTA reported 919 crashes involving senior drivers, according to iSelect, with the most common age for senior driver crashes being 68.

December was the most common month for crashes with 94 in that three-year period. Months around seasonal time changes made up most of the top 5:

• December – 94
• October – 92
• August – 85
• March – 84
• September – 83

“As ageing populations grow, the presence of senior drivers on the roads will only increase,” Adrian Bennett, General Manager – General Insurance at iSelect, said. “Governments, insurers, and communities have a shared responsibility to ensure that mobility doesn’t come at the expense of safety. Supporting older drivers isn’t just about protecting individuals — it’s about creating safer, more adaptable roads for everyone.”