Do Elderly Drivers Cause More Car Accidents than Young Motorists?

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in five years, 40 percent of car accidents in the United States will be caused by elderly motorists. However, it is a common misconception that older drivers cause more collisions than younger drivers. This is often based on the belief that older motorists have a decreased ability to operate their vehicles. While this may be true in some cases, the majority of accidents that involve an elderly driver are not the elder’s fault, and these drivers generally sustain more severe injuries than younger drivers.

Should Elderly Motorists Lose Their Driving Privileges?

Tennessee does not have a law saying that at a certain age, elderly drivers should cease operation of their vehicles. The state does require that all drivers over the age of 70 must renew their licenses every three years. It is up to the driver to decide when to stop driving. However, it is important to note that if a collision occurs as a result of the elderly driver’s negligent actions, the Tennessee Commissioner could restrict that driver from ever driving again.

There are certain medical conditions in later years that could impair driving ability, such as:

• Decline in eyesight

• Diabetes

• Parkinson’s disease

• Epilepsy

• Heart conditions

• Arthritis or other ailments that could hinder fine motor skills

What Are Common Injuries for Elderly Drivers?

Tennessee law does not distinguish between young and old drivers. A collision is a collision, and whoever is determined to be the at-fault driver will be required to compensate the victim for damages and subsequent medical costs. However, elderly drivers are typically more frail than younger drivers and therefore could sustain more serious injuries after a crash, including:

• Broken/fractured bones

• Cuts and bruises

• Head and neck trauma

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Paralysis

• Death

Because they are more fragile, some people believe that elderly drivers will have an advantage in a collision when it comes to proving who is at fault. However, elderly drivers are not always the victim, and that is why the police should be called and evidence should be collected at the scene of an accident.

Contact a Jacksboro, TN Car Accident Attorney

Regardless of age, drivers who have been injured in a car accident should seek professional legal guidance. In some cases, a young or elderly motorist may be held accountable for causing the crash. An accomplished attorney from the Law Offices of William F. Evans will help you collect the appropriate compensation for your damages if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with our dedicated Campbell County personal injury lawyers, call our office today at 423-449-7980.

Source:

https://tntrafficsafety.org/seniors