There comes a time when many people should no longer be behind the wheel. Elderly drivers can put themselves and others in danger in some cases, especially if they are unable to see or hear as well as they should be able to. At an older age, reaction times slow down, and people may have a harder time driving as well as they did in the past.
Car crashes that happen as a result of an inability to drive safely are still the fault of the driver. If you’re hit by someone, you can pursue a claim regardless of their age.
Is there a time when someone should no longer be behind the wheel?
There is not necessarily an age at which people should stop driving, because everyone ages differently. That being said, age-related health conditions and issues should be addressed to make sure anyone on the road is being as safe as possible.
There is a time in almost everyone’s lives when their reflexes will slow down or their hearing or vision may begin to fail. At that time, it’s important that they do stop driving or figure out how to address those issues to be a safer driver.
With around one out of every six drivers being 65 or older, it’s essential that these drivers take action to be safer.
Fatal crashes increase at 70 and older
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fatal crashes do increase per mile traveled at the age of 70 and older. The risk peaks at around the age of 85.
What can influence the risk of driving at an older age?
All kinds of health issues can affect the risks faced when driving, such as strokes, arthritis, diabetes and others. It’s worth it to consider these issues and to determine if you or those you care about may be too old to continue driving.
If an elderly person hits you in your vehicle, remember that you can hold them accountable. Doing so may help get them off the roads and prevent further crashes caused by age-related conditions in the future.