Auto Accident Lawyers

Orlando, Florida

Elderly Drivers Related Accident Injury

Medical advancements, healthier diets and a more active lifestyle are prolonging the quality of life for our senior citizens. But no matter how healthy they are, as seniors age, their sight and hearing begin to fade, alertness starts to diminish and judgment can become impaired. At what point do these factors effect the elderly drivers driving? The active elderly are very resistant to giving up their independence. But at what point is the public at risk by the seniors deteriorating driving skills?

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Senior Driver Statistics

According to various studies, inattentiveness not aggressiveness is the cause of most senior auto accidents. Here are some statistics about senior drivers:

• In 2004, over 28 million licensed drivers were 65 and over
• Following teen drivers, senior drivers have the highest rates of fatal car accidents in the country.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles reports that drivers over the age of 80 are more than twice as likely to be at fault in a fatal collision than the average driver.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2004 almost 3500 car occupants 65 and older were involved in fatal car accidents
• In 2005, more than 177,000 seniors suffered serious injuries from car accidents

Signs of Impaired Driving Skills

It's our responsibility to look out for our elderly to keep them safe from harming themselves or from accidentally injuring someone else. If you are questioning the driving ability of your elderly loved one, here are some behaviors you should look for:

• Driving is noticeably slower or more erratic
• Poor reaction time to lights and signs
• Timid about faster drives
• Reluctant to drive on the freeway
• Physical symptoms such as hearing impaired, lethargic, poor eyesight

More Frequent Driving Tests for Seniors

About a dozen states require drivers 75 and older to pass a written and road test when renewing their license. As they get older, drivers have to be tested yearly.But is that enough to protect the public from being the victim of an auto accident caused by an elderly person? In Florida, accidents by seniors are a special concern because many come to the sunshine state to retire.

Elderly Injured in Automobile Accidents

Older drivers and occupants who may already have health and mobility challenges can face greater injury and healing time than younger drivers.

• Hip and bone fractures take longer to heal
• Burn and brain injuries can be incapacitating
• Aging means a weaker immune system
• More likely to die than a younger driver

In Orlando, Florida, if youve sustained injuries from an auto accident, please contact the personal injury specialists at Colling, Gilbert, Wright and Carter. Well aggressively work to get the compensation you deserve for your injury or loss.