Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Massachusetts Senior Driver Evaluations to Prevent Auto Accidents? (Part B)
Maryland, for example, has developed a comprehensive program of licensing laws that involve driver skill evaluation, education, training and medical assessment. This is a system that other states can use as a model for developing licensing laws for senior drivers.
What Opponents of Senior Driver Re-Evaluations Say
Opponents of age-based restrictions for older drivers argue that such laws would unfairly target seniors and punish qualified elderly drivers. Jason King, Vice President of Public Relations for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators suggests that if older drivers are required to undergo reevaluation for renewal, perhaps all drivers should have to do the same.
Health Risks for Senior Drivers
While theoretically, that argument can be made, it is a statistical reality that senior drivers face more challenges than younger drivers. Some of the reasons that older drivers are more at risk include:
- Age-related dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Vision and hearing problems
- Poor range of motion and slower reflexes
- Medication that can interfere with senior driving ability
Another significant factor in the senior driver debate is that many adult children and caregivers struggle with how to approach an older parent or loved one about the safety of their driving.
How a State Legislation Could Help Curb Senior Driver Accidents
State legislation for senior drivers would eliminate that problem, taking the responsibility from family and placing it on the state. Establishing a fair and comprehensive program to reevaluate older drivers also could prevent a number of tragic senior driver accidents.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, citing a 1995 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, determined that requiring seniors to appear in person for license renewal at a state motor-vehicle department is the only statistically proven method to reduce fatal crashes.
Until individual states take proactive steps to evaluate the skills and abilities of senior drivers, there will be no reduction in the number of accidents involving older drivers. Senior driver safety is a matter of concern for everyone. If you, or a family member, have been injured in an accident involving a senior driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to determine if you qualify for a cash settlement.
When looking for a Massachusetts injury attorney to represent you in your car accident case, you have every right to ask critical questions, like:
- How long have you been in practice?
- What is the largest settlement or verdict you have obtained for your clients in auto accident cases?
- Do you have experience with car accident cases in Boston?
Call 1-888-208-1695 to speak with an accomplished and successful lawyer at Kiley Law Group today.
Free Consultations.
