The last U.S. Census showed a significant increase in the number of citizens over age 65, many of whom still drive regularly. Some stereotypes paint these motorists as dangerous, but the facts about elderly drivers and car accidents don’t support those outdated ideas. However, it’s important to educate yourself about possible risks if you have a loved one who is older and still prefers to drive themselves.
The car accident lawyers at Farah Law offer this helpful blog, which covers current population statistics, ways to ensure your older family member is driving safely, and what to do if your loved one is involved in a car accident. Contact us to learn more.
The U.S. Population is Aging Fast
The most recent U.S. Census recorded an increase of 15.5 million people over age 65 between 2010 and 2020. Driven largely by the Baby Boomer generation, who began crossing that 65-year milestone in 2011, this was the largest 10-year increase in Census history. According to Auto Insurance, there are 45 million licensed drivers 65 or older. In addition, the average age elderly stop driving has risen to 85. More than 66 percent of drivers 85 and older have relinquished their driver’s licenses.
With as many as 1 in 6 individuals aged 65 and older, it’s vital to consider how these folks behave on the road and whether they put themselves or others at risk. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that older drivers are less likely to get into a car crash than those in younger age groups. Many of these older drivers choose to be on the road less as they age, reducing their chance of being in an accident.
However, there are undeniable concerns when a person gets older and still gets behind the wheel. Many have medical conditions or cognitive concerns that are simply part of aging. These issues don’t mean they shouldn’t partake fully in their lives, but it might mean they adjust their approach to driving.
Physical Changes That Could Impact an Elderly Person’s Driving
Many older drivers experience a decline in the sharpness and brightness of their vision. They may develop cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma, making it harder to see when driving at night. With fewer visual cues than during the daytime, an elderly motorist might get confused about where they are, get lost, or venture into oncoming traffic if they don’t see a road sign.
Other drivers might find it challenging to drive if they have cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s or early dementia. Even conditions where they don’t get enough oxygen or sleep could affect their ability to make decisions quickly to avoid a crash. Many medications also cause drowsy driving or can impact a person’s decision-making abilities, leading to an accident.
Finally, while vehicles have every convenience to make driving physically easier, handling an automobile still requires a degree of strength and motor control that older drivers may lack. Someone with Parkinson’s disease or other essential tremors may struggle to remain in their lane, risking a sideswipe crash. Others may have hearing loss that reduces their ability to hear car horns or sirens from police or ambulance vehicles.
Older Drivers Face More License and Insurance Restrictions
Each state sets its own laws about how drivers can renew their licenses, and in many of them, older drivers are often subject to additional restrictions. For example, the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division requires those between ages 71 and 78 to renew their licenses every four years, and those over 79 must renew yearly. Younger drivers can choose to wait as long as eight years to renew.
The Texas Department of Public Safety requires those over age 85 to renew every two years. Many states also require older drivers to complete a vision screening test every time they renew and after a certain age, motorists can only renew their licenses in person, not online.
Additionally, drivers over age 65 generally face increases in their insurance rates every year as they age. Male policyholders continue to see higher premiums and deductibles.
Recommendations for Driving Safely After Age 65
Many seniors may resist recognizing they are slowing down and feel as if they can still do everything they did when they were younger. However, it’s important they take a few more precautions to ensure they don’t get themselves hurt or injure anyone else on the road. Here are our recommendations for driving safely as you age:
- Limit nighttime drives: Sunrise and sunset glare can make it harder to see other vehicles and those with astigmatism struggle with a star effect from streetlights and headlights. Try to complete driving errands or trips before nightfall when possible.
- Avoid rush hours: With more cars on the road, you are more likely to crash. Stick to slower times of the day.
- Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking: No matter what your age is, driving drunk is one of the most dangerous things you can do.
- Check your medications: Many prescription medicines can affect you the same way alcohol does. Some may also make you sleepy or slow down your reflexes.
- Maintain your vehicle: Ensure you’ve got enough gas, get regular oil changes, and check your brakes regularly. In wintry locales, get snow chains installed and defrost your windows fully before getting on the road in bad weather.
- Avoid inclement weather: Speaking of bad weather, consider staying off the roads when there is ice, heavy snow, or torrential rain. Most drivers don’t do well in these conditions, and elderly drivers are even more prone to crashes.
- Stay sharp: Take extra care to leave space between you and other vehicles, and keep a close eye on traffic so you can take evasive action to avoid an accident. Don’t get distracted by conversations or sightseeing.
- Avoid distractions: Distracted driving was responsible for over 3,300 deaths in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Don’t handle your cell phone, and set up your GPS directions before you start driving.
- Buckle up: Fortunately, older drivers can boast the highest percentage of seatbelt use, with those over 70 using safety belts 94% of the time, according to the IIHS.
- Wear your corrective devices: If you use hearing aids, glasses, or contacts, be sure to put them on before getting in your vehicle.
- Take advantage of modern safety features: Backup cameras and lane departure alerts are just some of the newest features available on more recent automobiles. These can help you stay focused and aware of what’s happening on the road, so be sure to activate them.
What Should You Do If You’re in a Crash With an Older Driver?
Your first action should be to ensure everyone is safely out of further harm’s way, then contact 911 to get help from emergency services. Get an evaluation from the paramedics and tell your story to the police. Exchange insurance and driver’s license information with the other driver, but don’t talk about who is at fault.
Contact your insurance provider and tell them the basic details about the accident. After that, arrange a free consultation with a car accident attorney at Farah Law to discuss whether you may have a claim of negligence against the other driver. We can manage your case and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
