Loss of Physical and Mental Driving Skills Increases the Risk of Collisions Involving Elderly Motorists

Many elderly drivers exercise a high degree of caution and diligence behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.  However, data suggests it is important to more closely monitor elderly loved ones who continue driving.  A study conducted by Carnegie Melon University found that drivers who are over the age of 85 have a 400% greater chance of dying in a car accident than inexperienced teen drivers.  The study also revealed that drivers between the ages of 75 and 85 have the same likelihood of being involved in a fatal car accident as teen drivers between the ages of 16-20.  Researchers predict that a growing number of elderly people in the U.S. will mean that 25 percent of all fatal collisions will involve seniors by 2030.  These numbers translate into a 73 percent increase over today’s traffic fatality rates for elderly motorists.

Certainly, many elderly motorists continue to remain safe and attentive even at the later stages in their lives.  However, an older driver’s sensory skills, physical abilities, and cognitive functioning can decline with age, which creates the following increased accident risks:

  • Hearing declines making it harder to hear horns, sirens, and motorcycles.
  • Poor vision can make it difficult to see down the road and distort depth perception.
  • Reflexes can be slower and increase the reaction time needed to respond to hazards.
  • Some elderly drivers experience impaired cognitive abilities that affect the decision-making process.

Many of us have ridden with an elderly family member and had a white knuckle ride.  It can be extremely difficult to approach the topic of discontinuing driving with elderly motorists.  Driving is a sign of freedom and independence that many older Kansas drivers have no desire to surrender.  The attempt to take car keys away from a senior citizen can lead to hard feelings and outright refusal.  However, the consequences of not taking action to prevent an elderly motorist with declining driving skills from taking to the road can mean death or serious injury.

If you have a loved one that might represent an unreasonable risk of causing a car accident, there are some approaches that you can take to assist your aging family member in preserving their independence:

  • Set up a buddy system so that a person is always available to ride in the passenger seat
  • Arrange for local van service, which can be prepaid
  • Schedule outings where you or someone else can transport your loved one
  • Make your elderly relative appear at DMV for a behind the wheel driving test and vision exam
  • Ride with your family member periodically so that you can evaluate their driving

Our experienced Kansas City Auto Accident Attorneys at Hubbard and Kurtz L.L.P. have over 80 years of collective legal experience.  We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, so we invite you to call us today at 877-535-1163 or email us to schedule a time to discuss your car accident claim.

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