Motor vehicle crashes happen every day, and they can range in severity due to a number of reasons. Though motor vehicle accidents typically happen regardless of age group, senior drivers often suffer more than younger drivers when they’re involved in a serious accident. In this article, we discuss the crash rates for older drivers, explore common causes for car accidents involving elderly drivers, explain liability, and list some ways that you can decrease your chances of getting in a car wreck.
Accident Statistics Among Elderly Drivers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, over 250,000 older adults (over the age of 65) were treated for crash injuries in emergency departments across the United States, and nearly 7,700 were involved in fatal accidents. The CDC also notes that the death rate for people over the age of 75 is significantly higher than the fatality rates for those considered middle-aged drivers (between the ages of 35 and 54).
Common Causes Of Traffic Accidents
Younger drivers usually cause accidents because they’re driving recklessly or speeding, while older drivers tend to be more cautious and careful. Accidents often occur because of things like:
- Driving when there’s low visibility, like at dusk, dawn, or nighttime
- Making illegal left turns
- Unsuccessfully yielding at intersections
- Driving the wrong direction
- Misjudging distances
- Braking abruptly
- Driving below the speed limit
- Failing to stop for a stop sign or red light
Medical Conditions That Can Lead To Or Complicate Crashes
As people age, their reaction time and ability to successfully navigate the roads naturally decreases. This is often a result of various medical conditions that impair their ability to see and/or react to obstacles on the road, including reckless motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are several medical conditions that could affect the driving abilities of aging adult drivers, including:
- Stroke
- Sleep apnea
- Parkinson’s disease
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
Though the severity of some of these conditions could require that you find alternative modes of transportation, there are steps you can take to adapt your vehicle and drive safely. It’s important that you recognize the warning signs and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.
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Third Party Liability Considerations
Liability is generally the same for all motorists, regardless of age. In the event of a car accident, the at-fault driver (or their estate) can be held liable for any damages resulting from negligent driving. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have at least some bodily injury liability coverage from your vehicle insurance company.
Though the driver is typically the one liable for damages and injuries, there are certain situations where third parties could be liable for a crash they weren’t involved in. If another individual owns the vehicle, they could be liable because of:
- Dangerous instrumentality: This legal theory suggests that all motor vehicles are inherently dangerous, so the legal owner of a vehicle can be liable for any damages caused by its negligent use, regardless of who was driving, as long as the owner gave the driver permission. There are some exceptions, including vehicles that are in the middle of being sold, have been dropped off for auto repairs, or are being used as a rental car.
- Negligent entrustment: Under the theory of negligent entrustment, the owner of a vehicle can be held liable if they let someone use their vehicle when they knew or should have known about the driver’s unsafe behaviors or inexperience. For example, if there’s evidence that the owner of a vehicle allowed an elderly person to drive even though they knew about problems or medical conditions that could affect their driving ability, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment.
If you or a family member have been involved in a car crash, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, allowing you to focus on healing. A car accident attorney can help you determine who’s liable and get the best outcome possible for your case.
The Relationship Between Risk Of Injury And A Driver’s Age
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), older drivers are at a higher risk of injury, specifically to the chest, and death when involved in a crash because their bodies often become more vulnerable to injury with age. They also have a slower recovery time and higher chance of experiencing serious medical complications as a result of a car accident injury.
Because of this, elderly drivers and their passengers, which are usually older as well, are typically in the most danger during car accidents. The IIHS reports that in 2019, 59% of the people killed in fatal crashes involving drivers aged 70 or older were the older driver. Additionally, 14% of people killed in these crashes were their elderly passengers.
How To Prevent Auto Accidents
Older adults generally practice safer driving habits than other age groups, but there are still some things you can do to stay safe when on the road, such as:
- Check your vision. Recognizing vision impairment is key when it comes to safe driving. In fact, the state of Florida requires that all drivers over the age of 80 pass a vision test before their driver’s license can be renewed. Licensed drivers can complete this test with their physician or at the DHS&MV office.
- Drive in safe conditions. Avoiding driving at night or in poor weather conditions can help drivers of all ages avoid crashes.
- Wear your seat belt. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to minimize injuries in the event of a car crash.
- Avoid drinking and driving. Alcohol impairs judgment, reduces coordination, and has a huge impact on your driving skills. These factors all increase the risk of being involved in a car crash.
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Contact The Car Accident Lawyers At Florin|Roebig
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car crash that resulted in personal injury, it’s important that you contact an injury lawyer that’s on your side. The law firm of Florin|Roebig can provide a free consultation, allowing you to feel confident that you’re picking the right personal injury lawyer for your accident case. Call us toll free at (800) 226-6581 today!
