Older drivers are safer on roads than young drivers
May 30, 2015On behalf of Terence Gross of Gross & Schuster, P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Monday, December 2, 2013.
The widely held public belief that older drivers in Florida pose more of a danger to other vehicles and pedestrians than their younger counterparts appears to be unfounded. A recent report suggests that younger drivers, generally those under age 25, are greater car crash risks than elderly drivers. Information released by the National Safety council shows that drivers under the age of 25 were involved in eight times the number of car accidents than those drivers over 75 years of age.
Although older drivers might suffer from slowing reflexes, declining vision and indecisiveness as the years go by, their years of experience behind the wheel of a car allow them to make up for those deficiencies by altering the way they drive. Senior drivers slow their driving speeds to adapt to changes in their reflexes, and many older drivers avoid driving at nighttime to compensate for declining vision. Some avoid situations such as left turns or rush hour traffic, which might pose challenges to them.
On the other hand, teen drivers, whose lack of driving experience and immaturity can cause them to take risks, often engage in driving practices that endanger themselves and others. Cellphone use and other behaviors not common in older drivers might contribute to a teen drivers’ increased involvement in accidents. In order to mitigate the damage caused by these drivers, some states have implemented graduated licensing programs for teenage drivers. The programs place limitations on teenage drivers that are phased out as he or she gains experience on the road.
A negligent driver, regardless of age, poses a hazard to other people and vehicles. A car collision with a drunk or distracted driver can result in serious injury, medical expenses and pain and suffering. Victims of those accidents might be able to receive awards that compensate them for such damages by filing personal injury claims in civil court.
Source: FOX, “Who’s the Safer Driver, Young or Old?”, Susan Ladika, November 25, 2013
