“Arrive safe: Don’t drink and drive,” states a huge billboard along the highway. A few miles later another sign warns against texting.
A plethora of safe driving messages target drivers in their teens and 20s, but where is the billboard touting the importance of cat-like reflexes or X-ray vision to point out the dangers facing more mature drivers?
When it comes to elderly drivers, the dangers are much more mundane, yet equally as deadly. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that based on miles driven, elderly drivers could give teens a run for the title of most likely to crash.
Elderly people are more likely to be injured in an accident caused by such simple maneuvers as:
- Turning left
- Merging or yielding
- Navigating an intersection
- Checking blind spots
Slower reflexes, blurry vision, hearing problems, and other health issues contribute to the cause of such accidents. Due to their age, elderly drivers are also less likely to survive a serious Maryland car crash because their bodies are already frail.
As the baby boomers begin to reach retirement age, more elderly drivers are on the road on a daily basis. Some estimates predict that by 2020, one out of every five drivers will be 65 or older.
Most of these drivers know their limits and voluntarily restrict their own driving. For example, they might choose to avoid nighttime driving or peak traffic hours. Others voluntarily give up their license entirely, choosing instead to rely on public transportation or family members.
Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a serious Maryland auto accident for one to take drastic actions. If you or a family member has been the victim of a car crash, you should talk to an experienced Rockville accident attorney. To set up an appointment today, call 1-800-875-9700.