Having to turn in our keys and give up our driving independence is a tough situation; however, there comes a time in most people’s lives that it is no longer safe for them to be behind the wheel of a car. It is not only unsafe for them, but for other drivers on the road as well.
Every year, more Americans are outliving their ability to drive.
When this happens, there are three very important driving factors that begin to deteriorate with age:
- Motor function
- Cognition
- Vision
As a result, older drivers have a higher car accident risk than middle-aged drivers. To address this issue, many states have passed laws that require specific licensing for aging drivers.
Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have generated special provisions for mature drivers. Some of these provisions include a vision test, a road test, an increase in renewal frequency, restriction of online or mailed renewals, as well as reduced or waived fees. Check out this site for specific instructions on provisions for the elderly in your state.
The number of elderly drivers is expected to increase sharply in the years ahead. By the year 2030, approximately 85% to 90% of the 70 million American drivers over the age of 65 are expected to have a driver’s license. This number is substantially higher than it was in 2009 when there were only 33 million licensed drivers.
It has been determined that although elderly drivers do not normally participate in risky behaviors such as speeding or drinking while driving, their fatality crash rate is still high and the risk of a car accident increases.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) reports that, per mile traveled, “fatal crash rates increase starting at age 75 and increase notably after age 80.”
If you or a loved have has been involved in a car accident that is no fault of your own, you may need to contact a car accident attorney in your area to guide you through this process and help you to achieve the compensation that you deserve.