A new analysis by iSelect has placed Virginia among the most hazardous states in the nation for older motorists, ranking it the 14th most dangerous state in America for senior drivers. The study, based on federal data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, found that 927 crashes involving drivers aged 65 and older were recorded in Virginia over the past three years.
Despite nationwide efforts to improve roadway safety, the report notes that crashes involving senior motorists in Virginia have increased by 12% since 2021—a rise that experts say reflects both demographic shifts and growing challenges faced by older drivers.
According to transportation safety researchers, the number of residents over age 65 is increasing faster than any other age group. As the population ages, officials warn that the state’s transportation systems, road design, and driver assistance programs may not be keeping pace with the needs of older adults.
National data shows that while seniors tend to drive fewer miles than younger adults, they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in crashes due to increased physical fragility. Age-related conditions—such as slower reaction times, reduced peripheral vision, and cognitive decline—can also make certain driving situations more hazardous.
In Virginia, common risk factors for older drivers include:
- Nighttime driving, where diminished vision becomes a significant challenge.
- Complex intersections found in both suburban and rural areas.
- Left-hand turns, which require rapid judgment of oncoming traffic.
- Medication side effects, which can impair alertness or coordination.
- Rural highways, which make up much of the Commonwealth and often involve higher speeds and limited shoulder space.
Safety advocates emphasize that many older adults remain safe and responsible drivers but may need additional tools to stay that way. Programs such as the Virginia GrandDriver initiative encourage families to watch for warning signs—frequent close calls, difficulty staying in lanes, or trouble navigating familiar routes—and promote voluntary driver assessments.
The iSelect study is likely to add urgency to ongoing discussions among state officials about how best to prepare for an aging population behind the wheel. Some transportation planners have pushed for improvements such as larger road signs, better lighting, and expanded access to public transit and senior ride programs.
With nearly one in five Virginians expected to be over age 65 by 2030, experts say the Commonwealth will need to continue adapting. For now, the new ranking underscores the growing safety concerns on Virginia’s roads as more seniors remain active, mobile, and at the wheel.
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Understood. I concur.
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