As age advances, the ability to navigate the complexities of driving can diminish, making elderly drivers more susceptible to fatal injuries in car accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), elderly drivers face higher risks of fatal motor vehicle accidents than all age demographics other than teen drivers. Drivers aged 70 and older have higher fatal crash rates per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers.
Several factors contribute to this heightened risk, from physical limitations to cognitive decline and increased fragility. Understanding these factors sheds light on why elderly drivers face greater vulnerability on the road. If your elderly loved one has been injured in a crash, it is important to speak with a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer to find out what legal options you may have.
Physical Capabilities
Age-related decline in physical capabilities significantly impacts driving proficiency. As individuals age, reaction times slow down, impairing their ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions swiftly. Reduced muscle strength and flexibility also affect steering control and the ability to execute maneuvers effectively. Furthermore, diminished vision and hearing acuity make it challenging for elderly drivers to perceive potential hazards accurately. These physical changes compromise their ability to avoid accidents and increase the severity of injuries when collisions occur.
Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline, a hallmark of aging, is pivotal in compromising driving safety. Elderly drivers may experience declines in memory, attention, and decision-making abilities, impairing their judgment on the road. Difficulties processing information and multitasking can lead to errors in assessing traffic situations and making timely decisions. For instance, an elderly driver may struggle to interpret complex traffic signals or properly gauge the speed of oncoming vehicles, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Medical Conditions
Age-related medical conditions and medication use contribute to elderly drivers’ vulnerability. Chronic ailments such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases can exacerbate physical limitations and increase susceptibility to injuries in the event of an accident. Medications commonly prescribed to older adults, such as sedatives and painkillers, may also impair cognitive function and alertness, further compromising driving performance. The combination of underlying health issues and medication side effects amplifies the risk of accidents and fatal injuries among elderly drivers.
Fragility
Older adults are more prone to fragility, which amplifies the severity of injuries sustained in car accidents. Aging leads to decreased bone density and muscle mass, making elderly individuals more susceptible to fractures and internal injuries upon impact. Even minor collisions that might cause minimal harm to younger individuals can result in devastating consequences for elderly drivers due to their fragile physical state. The increased frailty of the aging body magnifies the risks associated with driving and underscores the importance of implementing measures to enhance safety.
Is It Time to Stop Driving?
If you feel that there may be dangers in your elderly loved one still driving, it is essential to discuss your concerns with them so that they will not feel threatened or put them on the defensive. One helpful tool, developed by AAA, is a self-rating quiz seniors can take to see if they have issues that indicate they should no longer be driving. The quiz is comprised of 15 questions, such as whether the senior always uses their turn signals, if they have slower reaction times, and if they are uncomfortable in intersections. Once all questions are answered, the senior adds up the score, which will provide the answer as to whether or not there are concerns about their driving abilities.
Call Our Virginia Beach Law Firm for Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by another party, contact one of our Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers. The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is dedicated to helping injured clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost income, and other losses their injuries have caused. Our legal team will work diligently to make sure you get the financial justice the law allows, like the $125,000 car accident insurance settlement we obtained for one client who suffered a nondisplaced right wrist fracture and other soft tissue injuries when another driver ran a red light and slammed into her vehicle.
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An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
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