Older drivers behind the wheel: preconceptions versus the reality of the figures

They are sometimes accused of driving too slowly, lacking reflexes or posing a danger on the road. Yet when you look at road safety statistics, the reality is more complex than the preconceptions suggest.

In Germany, data published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) show that people aged 65 and over were involved in injury accidents relatively less often than their share of the population might suggest. In 2023, they accounted for 15.2% of people involved in road accidents resulting in injuries, whereas they made up 22.3% of the German population.

But beware of jumping to conclusions: when a motorist aged 65 or over was involved in an injury accident, they were found to be primarily responsible in 68.1% of cases. This proportion rose to 76.7% among drivers aged 75 and over. These figures show that accident frequency and responsibility for an accident are two different indicators.

Young drivers are also affected.

In France, the 2024 report by the National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory (ONISR) highlights in particular the vulnerability of young drivers. Those aged 18 to 24 have the highest road death rate among the age groups cited, with 97 deaths per million inhabitants, ahead of those aged 75 to 84 and people aged 85 and over. (source: Auto-école)

These data are a reminder that it is simplistic to automatically link age with dangerous behaviour. Experience, speed, attention, fatigue and health can all play a part in safety behind the wheel.

The key point: assess abilities, not just age

With ageing, certain abilities may decline, notably eyesight, hearing or reaction speed. But these changes vary considerably from one person to another. Conversely, youth guarantees neither caution nor the ability to manage risk.

The question therefore deserves to be asked differently: rather than stigmatising one age group, how can all drivers be better supported to ensure everyone's safety?

In a cross-border region such as the Three Borders area, where travel between France, Germany and Luxembourg is part of everyday life, caution on the road remains a collective responsibility.

Because behind the wheel, prejudice is no substitute for statistics, and age alone is not enough to judge a driver.