Problems of Elderly Drivers on the Road

When people think about the dangers of driving, most often they are thinking about the obvious – poorly maintained roads, drunk drivers and even drivers who are too busy texting to pay attention. What people typically do not consider, however, is the age of the driver. This, however, should not be discounted as a serious issue and one that can be a prevalent cause of car accidents across the nation.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the year 2030, there are going to be almost ten million citizens over the age of 85 in the United States. That is over a 70 percent jump from the current statistics and demographics that currently exist. Unfortunately, with age could come a diminished ability to drive. This is not to say that every elderly driver is unable to drive, as circumstances will change for the individual, however, there are some senior-specific hazards that should be considered.

For example, as one ages, it is natural for the body to grow stiffer as joints begin to ache and as the muscles weaken. This limited physical ability and range of motion can make it difficult for elderly drivers to accurately check their blind spots or to even become aware of dangerous situations early enough to use defensive maneuvers. Another issue is that with lessened eyesight and hearing, it can become more difficult to stay aware of the constantly changing conditions of the road – as well as making it difficult to drive at night.

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we recognize the anxiety that can stem from being involved in a serious car accident. The injuries and financial issues that stem from something of this nature can cause significant difficulties and should not be taken lightly. If you have been involved in an accident that you believe was caused by an elderly driver, then it is in your best interests to get the involvement of an experienced Pasadena personal injury lawyer from our firm as soon as possible.

While we do not believe that all elderly drivers are hazards on the road, we do believe that people who are truly incompetent and unable to handle the rigors of driving should not endanger other people. For this reason, we will do everything that we can to take a comprehensive approach to your case – doing everything possible to provide you with a high-quality and reliable guidance that you deserve. Contact a Pasadena car accident attorney from our legal team today to learn more about how we can help you.