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At Charles J. Argento, our Houston personal injury lawyer knows last year, an estimated 37 million people 70 and older lived in the United States, representing about 11% of the population. Based on data reported by states to the Federal Highway Administration, there were approximately 32 million licensed drivers 70 and older during the same period.
Compared with drivers ages 20-69, fewer people 70 and older are licensed to drive, and, based on data from the National Household Travel Survey, they drive fewer miles. However, older people now keep their licenses longer and make up a more significant proportion of the population than in past decades.
The question becomes, are aging drivers contributing to more vehicle collisions? According to RAND, a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decision-making through research and analysis, drivers 65 and older are 16% more likely to cause an accident than adults under 65.
According to the National Safety Council, the number of motor-vehicle deaths involving drivers and other road users aged 65 and older increased by 15%, from 7,902 to 9,102 last year. Over the last decade, the number of deaths increased by 34%.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident with an aging driver in Texas, you have the same right to pursue the driver’s insurance coverage for your damages as you would if any other aged driver hit you. We can help you understand the personal injury claim process so you can pursue the best outcome without pursuing the driver directly.
What are the Most Common Factors that Contribute to Accidents Involving Aging Drivers in Texas?
Some factors that may contribute to accidents involving older drivers may include, but are not limited to:
- Decreased Vision
Aging often leads to changes in vision, including reduced peripheral vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and problems with depth perception, all of which can contribute to accidents.
- Reduced Cognitive Function
As people age, cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and decision-making may decline, affecting their ability to process information quickly and make split-second decisions while driving.
- Slower Reaction Times
Aging can lead to slower reaction times, making it more difficult for older drivers to respond promptly to sudden changes in traffic conditions or hazards on the road.
- Medical Conditions
Older drivers are more likely to have medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or neurological disorders, which can impair their ability to drive safely.
- Medication Use
Older adults often take multiple medications, some of which can have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination, affecting their driving abilities.
- Physical Limitations
Aging can lead to physical limitations such as decreased strength, flexibility, or mobility, making it challenging to control a vehicle effectively.
- Decreased Hearing
Age-related hearing loss can make it difficult for older drivers to hear sirens, horns, or other auditory cues while driving.
- Decreased Confidence
Due to physical or cognitive changes, older drivers may experience decreased confidence behind the wheel, leading to hesitancy or anxiety while driving.
While there is nothing we can do about the natural aging process, it is essential to identify when aging loved ones may not be fit to drive any longer to keep them and other motorists safe.
Contact Our Houston Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have been in an accident with an aging driver, contact Charles J. Argento for help today. Our experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston will work to build a strong case on your behalf and maximize the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and losses.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (713)-225-5050 or contacting us online.