A new study reveals that North Carolina has the eighth-highest rate of senior driver fatalities during Thanksgiving Month (November) in the United States.
The research by Florida-based Personal Injury lawyer Blakeley Law Firm analyzed the data for senior driver fatalities in November from 2019 to 2023 for each U.S. state via the NHTSA database. Average November fatality rates per 100,000 residents aged 65+ were calculated to identify the states where older drivers face the highest risk on the road during the Thanksgiving travel period.
North Carolina ranks eighth in November senior driver fatalities, with 1.83 deaths per 100,000 residents aged 65+. That is about 50% above the national average of 1.22 deaths per 100,000 residents. During 2019–2023, the Tar Heel State’s senior population, 1,803,526, recorded an average of 33 annual November fatalities. The state’s deadliest year was 2023, with 36 deaths, while 2020 recorded the lowest with 19.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Blakeley Law Firm commented:
“The study highlights that states such as North Carolina reported some of the highest senior driver fatality rates during November in the U.S.
“November is one of the most dangerous months for senior drivers, with Thanksgiving being one of the deadliest holidays for road travel. Older drivers face unique challenges, including slower reaction times and increased vulnerability to serious injury. These high rates underscore the importance of targeted road safety measures for seniors, especially during high-traffic holiday periods.
“To reduce these incidents, state leaders and policymakers can expand senior driver education programs, improve road signage and lighting, and encourage regular health screenings to ensure older drivers remain safe behind the wheel.”
| Top 10 U.S. States With the Highest November Senior Driver Fatality Rates (2019–2023) | ||
| State | November Senior Driver Fatalities per 100,000 Residents | Rank |
| Mississippi | 2.51 | 1 |
| Arkansas | 2.17 | 2 |
| Oklahoma | 2.08 | 3 |
| Kansas | 2.04 | 4 |
| Nebraska | 2.01 | 5 |
| Wyoming | 1.93 | 6 |
| South Carolina | 1.86 | 7 |
| North Carolina | 1.83 | 8 |
| Tennessee | 1.82 | 9 |
| Alabama | 1.81 | 10 |
The study was conducted by Blakeley Law Firm, a Florida-based personal injury law firm representing clients injured in motor vehicle accidents or those who have lost loved ones due to negligence. The firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Methodology
The research analyzed the data for senior driver fatalities in November from 2019 to 2023 for each U.S. state via the NHTSA database. Average November fatality rates per 100,000 residents aged 65+ were calculated to identify the states where older drivers face the highest risk during the Thanksgiving travel period.
Data Sources
- Fatal Crash Data: https://cdan.dot.gov/query
- Research Dataset: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FPJCRhzof41sITj0dcCfbk-WLWcAjGSjItzVoxcfGiw/edit?gid=0#gid=0
- Research by: https://www.floridainjuryadvocate.com/
