May 23, 2012 (Press-News.org) As we get older, it becomes more difficult to do many everyday activities -- and driving is no different. Despite the challenges associated with driving as a senior citizen, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 78 percent of people age 70 and above -- about 22 million seniors -- are still driving.
We're all familiar with media stories that involve senior citizens driving off the road, and sometimes injuring the unsuspecting people around them. But, statistics show that generally speaking, older drivers are not as much of a harm to others as you might think.
"The overrepresentation of seniors in fatal crashes is mainly due to their frailty -- the age-related increase in the probability of dying as a result of a crash," said Ezra Hauer of the University of Toronto in a statement. "Frailty as a cause of overrepresentation should not be confused with the ability to drive safely. More than four-fifths of those killed when the driver is 85 years or older are the drivers themselves; among drivers between the ages of 16 and 59 years, two-thirds of those killed are other people. Unlike younger drivers, older drivers are a danger mainly to themselves."
Seniors and Safety on the Road
Aware of their limitations as they age, many seniors change their behaviors in order to stay safe. To that end, drivers in this age range generally avoid driving at night, hitting the road during bad weather and traveling on expressways. In addition, these drivers are less likely to engage in risky behavior such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
But these precautions can only help but so much, as there are still factors that they cannot control that can lead to car accidents. Things like slower reflexes, diminished hearing and eyesight, and decreased stamina can be a recipe for disaster on the road.
Know Your Rights
If you've been injured in a car accident with an elderly driver, contact a personal injury attorney who can advise you of your rights. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, and a lawyer can let you know what course of action you should take.
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Millions of Seniors Still Drive, Study Finds
Despite the challenges associated with driving as a senior citizen, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 78 percent of people age 70 and above -- about 22 million seniors -- are still driving.
2012-05-23
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[Press-News.org] Millions of Seniors Still Drive, Study FindsDespite the challenges associated with driving as a senior citizen, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 78 percent of people age 70 and above -- about 22 million seniors -- are still driving.