Characteristics of Crash Injuries Among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Drivers

One of the most important factors that affects a person’s risk of injury in a motor vehicle crash is the age of the person. This study investigates patterns of injury severity, location of injuries, and contact sources for the driver injuries by driver age. Based on the data from NHTSA’s National Automotive Sampling System — Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) from 1993 through 2004, this study examines in great detail the driver injury severity, injured body regions, and injury contact sources by driver age in rollover and non-rollover real-world traffic crashes. The effect of seat belt use on injury patterns is also investigated. Studies show that among older drivers, females are more likely to sustain severe injuries, as measured by the Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) of 4 or above, as compared to males. This pattern is reversed for drivers under age 65. The pattern of severe injuries to those in rollovers was independent of age. However, in non-rollover crashes, the older drivers are more likely to sustain severe injuries, especially in left-side impact crashes. There is a statistically significant reduction in injury severity in both rollover and non-rollover crashes to the drivers when seat belts were used. This study, by analyzing the injury locations, source, and severity, enables the identification of features associated with crash protection of drivers from aspects such as engineering, human factors, and clinical research. Studies also call attention to the need for vehicle improved crashworthiness and design to make vehicles more protective for older drivers.