Older drivers and safety data, part 1: aging and accidents

Wednesday February 26, 2014

Does an aging national population mean there are likely to be more car accidents caused by older drivers?

In this two-part post, we will discuss how that once-common view is matching up with current reality.

Our point of departure will be a recent research study issued by a respected safety organization, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Not that long ago, there was considerable concern about demographic trends producing a growing number of older drivers who would be a “gray menace” on the roads.

This was an understandable concern, given how eyesight, hearing, reflexes and mental alertness can diminish with age.

Indeed, the concern remains a legitimate one. No one has found the proverbial fountain of youth, and sensory and cognitive declines experienced by older people are very real.

Fortunately, there are also some countervailing trends. For one thing, cars are generally designed to be more crashworthy than they used to be. In addition, senior citizens these days tend to be healthier than seniors once were. This means that the impact of illness on their driving performance is not as prevalent as in the past.

Nonetheless, the study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found much to consider regarding car accident rates and fatal crashes involving older drivers. It’s true that hose rates have generally come down. But there are still large numbers of car accidents that kill and injured people in Connecticut and across the nation.

We will explore some of the data in detail in part two of this post.

Source: Insurance Journal, “Grandpa and Grandma Much Safer Behind the Wheel Than Predicted,” Joan Lowy, Feb. 25, 2014

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023
News

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023

16

March
2023

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut
ArticlesInsights

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut

28

February
2023

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

20

February
2023

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online
News

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online

20

February
2023

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.
News

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.

6

February
2023

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur
Insights

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur

23

January
2023

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut
Articles

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut

6

January
2023

How Long Do You Have To File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Articles

How Long Do You Have To File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

5

December
2022

Where Does Liability Fall in a Scaffolding Accident?
Articles

Where Does Liability Fall in a Scaffolding Accident?

23

November
2022

The Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents

18

November
2022