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Study Finds Most Severe Senior-Caused Crashes Stem From Sudden Medical Events

Researchers say age-based health checks would miss unpredictable episodes.

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Eine Seniorin sitzt am Steuer eines Pkw
Die Zahl der Menschen über 75 mit Führerschein hat sich in den vergangenen zehn Jahren mehr als verdoppelt
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Overview

  • The Björn‑Steiger‑Stiftung analyzed 230,000 police‑recorded crashes from 2021–2024 that involved deaths or serious injuries.
  • For drivers 75 and older, acute physical problems such as fainting, heart attack or stroke accounted for most severe crashes, with tagesschau reporting 60% versus 1% attributed to cognitive deficits.
  • Police data show “other physical or mental impairments” caused 13% of crashes in ages 75–84 and 17% in 85+, equalling failure to yield in the oldest group.
  • The EU’s updated driving‑licence rules stopped short of mandating age‑tied health exams, a move welcomed by ADAC and senior advocates.
  • Experts urge GP‑guided screening, voluntary driving checks and technical safeguards including wearables and driver‑monitoring cameras that become mandatory in new cars from 2026.