The Single Most Common Cause of Accidents Among Senior Drivers
Older drivers may have difficulties driving. They may have difficulty turning the steering column, pushing the foot pedals, looking at their shoulders while backing up, parking, and avoiding curbs. Sometimes they may not be able to distinguish between the brake and gas pedals. Older drivers may also fall and make poor driving decisions, such as not paying attention to traffic ahead. Here are some of the most common problems for senior drivers.
Falls
One in three senior drivers will be hurt by a fall this season. Falls can lead to broken bones, sprains, or even the death of Leonard Cohen. Senior drivers are involved in over 55% of the accidents that result from falls. Consider installing a slingback slipper or automatic light to prevent falls at home. Also, make sure your elderly loved one wears secure footwear.
While there are many possible causes of falls in senior drivers, the main factor that leads to accidents is aging. Many seniors fear driving because of the effects of aging on their mental and physical health. Vision problems, impaired judgment, and reduced physical abilities are all common issues that can hinder driving. A research team reviewed 15 studies about driving and falls in older adults and discovered a link between age and the chance of falling.
Seniors are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes than any other age group. Driving becomes more dangerous with age. Age increases the risk of an accident, not only because of deteriorating vision or limited movement. A person’s self-awareness decreases with age, making it more difficult for older drivers to determine their driving risk. Senior drivers are more likely than younger drivers to ignore traffic lights or drive in an unsafe direction. Prescription medications can also cause impairments in driving ability for older drivers.
Distracted driving
According to a recent study, distracted driving was the single biggest cause of crashes among senior drivers. Nearly one-third (33%) of the older drivers surveyed said they had used a cellphone while driving. A similar study revealed that nearly 40% had talked on the phone with their younger passengers. While distracted driving refers to a variety of risky behaviors, this survey focused on the use of cell phones while operating a vehicle.

While distraction is a problem for all drivers, it is more prevalent among the elderly. As more adults adopt new technologies, the number of senior drivers using their cellphones while driving is increasing. Researchers also looked at the attitudes and behavior of senior drivers when it comes to using their cellphones while driving. While distracted driving is a significant factor in many accidents involving elderly drivers, addressing it will reduce the risk of accidents among senior drivers.
Failure to renew licenses
A study conducted in Florida found that drivers 80 and older were less likely to be involved in fatal crashes when they failed to renew their driver’s license. Although fatalities in fatal crashes were reduced by 17%, the law had no significant impact on fatalities in neighboring states. The study found that every third renewal of a license required an in-person vision exam. Other renewals were not required.
Many states require that drivers over the age of 40 renew their licenses each year in person. While the average age for drivers was only 40, the mean renewal period for drivers aged 54 to 85 was 12 years. The license renewal periods for younger drivers were often shorter than those of older drivers. While state renewal times increased with age, some states made it more difficult to renew. Despite these challenges, older drivers still face many safety hazards and must make sure to renew their licenses.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving is the single biggest cause of accidents among senior drivers, and studies suggest that older drivers are at a greater risk of causing them. Senior drivers have less skill to steer, avoid crashes, or report crashes. Older drivers are more likely to sustain injuries than younger drivers. But despite these disadvantages, senior drivers should not let their age deter them from staying on the road and maintaining safe driving habits. If you are involved in a car accident we recommend contacting Abogados San Bernardino.
NHTSA reported that 1,678 teenage drivers were killed in auto crashes in 2014. These deaths were largely the result of reckless driving. Teenagers are known for being distracted, fast, and engaging in other dangerous driving habits. Studies also show that age and gender play a huge role in teen drivers’ reckless driving behaviors. It is therefore important for parents to speak with their teenagers about the importance of driving safety.