Safety Concerns Related to Elderly Drivers

As life expectancies increase, there are more older drivers on the road. Safety concerns related to elderly drivers have led some states to require additional tests and renewals.

2011-02-16

February 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) By 2025, the elderly (those over age 65) will account for 20 percent of drivers on the road. Although it is promising that life expectancies are increasing, there are safety concerns about the rising number of elderly drivers on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), older people accounted for 8 percent (183,000) of the individuals injured in traffic crashes and for about 15 percent of traffic fatalities in 2008. In Kansas, elderly drivers accounted for 66 of the state's nearly 500 fatal crashes, and in Missouri, older drivers accounted for 148 of the traffic fatalities.

While older drivers are less likely to drive under the influence of alcohol and more likely to wear seat belts, other factors contribute to motor vehicle accidents involving seniors. Slower reflexes, frailer bodies, poorer eyesight, faulty hearing and wavering stamina are all factors that can impact an older person's ability to be a safe driver.

The news for seniors is not all bad; the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) surveyed fatal crash data for the years 1997 to 2008 and found that fatal crash rates, non-fatal injury and property damage rates for drivers over 70 had dropped.

The decline could be based on safer vehicles, improved general health of drivers, or improved emergency medical and trauma care. Another consideration could be the more stringent driving restrictions set by many states for older drivers. Some states require road tests and reaction tests for older drivers. Additionally, some require elderly drivers to have shorter renewal terms -- such as one to two years.

For those drivers over 65 in Kansas, renewals are required every four years. For Missouri's drivers over 70, licenses are renewed every three years. Neither state places additional restrictions on older drivers.

As the driving population continues to age, law enforcement and state legislators will need to consider how to best address the impact of aging drivers on the roadways.

Article provided by Dempsey & Kingsland PC
Visit us at www.kansascity-law.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Proposed Regulations Would Limit Cell Phone Use by Truck and Bus Drivers

2011-02-16

In a bold move, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has taken a stance against behind-the-wheel use of mobile phones by commercial bus and truck drivers. Proposed regulations -- which some see as a huge step in the direction of increasing safety on the road -- would prohibit use of handheld mobile phones as well as preventing the driver from dialing, holding a cell phone or reaching for a phone while the vehicle is in motion. This particular proposal is seen as the middle ground between several proposals on opposite ends of the debate around using ...

Fetal Monitor Strips and Obstetrical Malpractice Cases

2011-02-16

During labor and delivery, obstetricians, nurses and hospital staff involved in the birth are responsible for taking every reasonable step to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. One of the ways they can do this is by properly monitoring the vital signs of mother and baby during labor and delivery and taking appropriate actions when signs of distress are present. Improper monitoring often leads to serious birth injuries. The obstetrics team has several options for monitoring the health of mother and baby. For example, some hospitals use external monitors ...

Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Your Legal Options

2011-02-16

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome? Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare disorder that occurs when the body has an intense allergic reaction, usually to a medication or drug; however, the reaction also can be brought on by an illness or infection. The allergic reaction affects the skin and mucous membranes, especially around the mouth, eyes and nose. Those who have SJS usually will experience flu-like symptoms first, including a sore throat, fever, cough and burning eyes. As the disorder progresses, a fast spreading red to purple rash will appear and blister on ...

Planning for Divorce? Make Sure You've Considered All of The Issues

2011-02-16

The decision to get divorced is a major one, but in some ways, the decision is the easy part. After the decision comes the division of two intertwined lives, which is challenging even in the best of circumstances. When considering divorce, it's important to consider the significant ways in which your life will change. Where will your children live? Although Florida once heavily favored mothers as primary caregivers, these practices are gradually changing and laws increasingly recognize the roles that both parents play in a child's upbringing. Rather than offering ...

Father of Four Killed in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

2011-02-16

The tragic death of a bicyclist in Monroe last month has put the spotlight on the plight of bike riders throughout North Carolina. Everyone has heard that bicyclists and pedestrians have the right of way, but not every driver yields. When the driver is intoxicated -- like the driver who has been charged with second-degree homicide for allegedly killing the bicyclist while driving under the influence of alcohol -- rules of the road are ignored and serious injuries occur. Bicycle Accidents Don't Just Happen in the Summer This accident proves that bicycling along a major ...

More Parents Staying in Touch With Virtual Visitation

2011-02-16

Divorce can be an emotional experience for both spouses. For children, it can be one of the most difficult periods in their life. When one parent moves away from the other and children are involved, however, the process becomes even more complex. Whether a job opportunity or another relationship drives one parent to relocate with the children, the non-custodial parent often finds himself or herself struggling to stay part of each child's life. But with the rise of technology, some divorced parents are finding it easier to stay in touch with their children and keep their ...

Seeking an I-601 Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

2011-02-16

Even if a fiance(e) or spousal visa petition is approved (i.e., the foreign spouse/fiance(e) receives the right to sit for an immigration interview), that does not necessarily ensure that a visa will be issued. In fact, there are several reasons why a petitioner will be deemed inadmissible to the U.S. These include a petitioner who: - Has a communicable disease - Has been convicted of certain crimes - Is addicted to drugs or alcohol - Is likely to become a public charge (i.e., need physical, mental or financial support through social service programs) - Has a two-foreign-residency ...

Employment Accommodations for Employees With Cancer

2011-02-16

Oftentimes individuals with mental or physical disabilities want to work despite their limitations. Federal laws seek to empower those who wish to work and prevent employers from discriminating against individuals with disabilities or who are perceived to have disabilities. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides even greater levels of protection from discrimination. Federal and California laws go further than simply preventing discrimination; they also require employers to make certain accommodations to allow individuals with disabilities to work. ...

IRS Audits on the Rise: Likely Increase in Austin Tax Litigation

2011-02-16

It's that time of the year again: tax-return season. However, this year the stakes are even higher than usual. The IRS announced that it plans to audit 11 percent more tax returns in 2011 than it did last year. IRS audits are not pleasant. Not only do they require extensive documentation while placing a great deal of mental stress upon a person or business, but audits cause tax law issues to arise. These legal tax issues are best handled by a tax attorney. An audit does not mean that the filer did anything wrong, yet it should always be taken seriously. Of course, ...

The Future of Florida? A Database of Domestic Violence Offenders

2011-02-16

Those convicted of domestic violence already face severe consequences in Florida. However, the consequences may be raised a notch in the next few years. Some states, such as Texas, have proposed laws for the creation of a free online database that would list the name, date of birth and photograph of individuals convicted of domestic violence or dating violence. Texas State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer filed the House Bill. Fischer says the proposed law would promote safer dating, because men and women could search for their prospective date's name before agreeing ...

Safety Concerns Related to Elderly Drivers

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: