Senior Drivers Surprisingly Safe

A recent “Today Show” report reveals that senior drivers are surprisingly safe on the roads when compared to motorists in other age groups. In fact, drivers over 65 have the same crash rates as those in their 30s, and drivers in their 80s perform twice as well as teenagers and have half as many car accidents.

This is because most senior citizens are safe drivers, according to AAA. Typically these drivers do not speed, do not drink and drive, obey traffic rules and usually do not drive after dark.

The number of seniors killed on U.S. roads is declining. In 2010, 4,500 senior drivers died in car crashes on U.S. roads – a 40 percent decrease over the last 30 years. This decrease in fatalities is occurring despite the fact that seniors are the fastest growing age group in our country. Every day 10,000 people turn 65 in the U.S.

Florida is known for attracting the elderly and Jacksonville is no different with over 89,000 residents over the age of 65.

There are some resources available through AAA at SeniorDriving.AAA.com to help seniors evaluate their driving abilities, understand mind and body changes, and how to improve their driving skills. There is also a section for family and friends to help their elderly loved ones with alternative transportation if they are no long able to drive.

AAA provides the following tips for senior drivers:
– A push to start ignition – Four-door car with adjustable seat controls – A big grip steering wheel – Big dashboard buttons – A back-up camera – Big windows with good visibility
If you or an elderly loved one has been involved in a car accident in the Jacksonville area, please contact our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys. We will evaluate your case for free and there is no charge unless we recover damages in your favor.