Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Car Accident Implications of the Senior Driving Boom (Part B)
State and local jurisdictions have screening mechanisms in place to identify elderly drivers whose skills are sub-par and may lead to a car accident. These efforts will probably increase, along with legislation that tightens licensing requirements and emphasizes driver education.
Currently, most areas have special policies and evaluations for senior drivers, which are defined as anywhere from ages 54 to 85 and up, depending on the state. These older drivers are subject to vision tests, written exams and more thorough evaluations in response to a dangerous driving incident or auto accident.
Assisted Driving for Seniors?
When an estimated 70% more senior drivers are facing difficulty in getting down the road, everyone will take notice, especially, car manufacturers. The consumer industry in senior products is already flourishing. Troubled auto makers may embrace the burgeoning senior population with more elder-friendly features like back-up cameras and extra-bright headlights.
If individuals in today’s adult generation are having trouble helping their parents hang up the keys, they will probably be even less agreeable to doing so when their times come. Manufacturers will be able to exploit the fear that seniors may have in losing control over their mobility, and may even persuade drivers to continue driving as long as possible. At the same time, however, they will be keeping the issue in the public eye.
Hope for Decreasing Accident Risk for Senior Drivers
A large problem with seniors slipping into dangerous driving habits in seniors over the years is denial that anything is wrong. Family members often perpetuate the fantasy because they do not wish to confront or offend parents or grandparents. The rise in drivers over age 65, however, will be visible, and the efforts of auto makers and insurers will make it difficult for society to deny a safety problem.
The good news is that traffic accident rates in general and for the senior sector have decreased over the past 10 years. Now all they have to do is step up precautions by about 70%.
If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a senior driver in Massachusetts, you have every right to explore your legal options and file a personal injury case against the negligent party. A Boston car accident lawyer will over all the aspects of your accident to help you determine liability.
Call 1-888-208-1695 for a Free Case Evaluation.
