Have Older Drivers Been Getting a Bad Rap?

It turns out elderly drivers aren’t as dangerous as previously thought.

That’s according to a new report from the Highway Loss Data Institute. The study found that the sudden influx of senior drivers on the roads – since the Baby Boomers have now hit age 65 – is not necessarily going to cause a “silver tsunami” of deadly car accidents on busyKentucky roadways.

“Crashes in which elderly drivers apparently lose control of their vehicles grab headlines,” the study said. “But contrary to expectations, older drivers aren’t causing more crashes than they used to.”

Researchers from the Institute examined whether it would be accurate to expect more collision claims with elderly drivers on the road. They increased the rate of insured drivers by 20 percent for people over 65 and found that it didn’t change the insurance claim frequency. The study also found that even with a large increase due to aging Baby Boomers, the number of older drivers is predicted to remain relatively small.

It’s understandable to feel concerned that elderly drivers are more dangerous drivers. Age can lessen reaction time in threatening situations, and judgment may not be as acute as in more youthful years. But the facts show that drivers in their 30s and younger are actually responsible for the most vehicle wrecks and insurance claims.  And, the researchers said, the reason crash rates may lessen over time is because the more crash-prone population (teenagers) will decrease.

Regardless, it is important for aging drivers to assess whether they should be driving in their later years. It’s also essential for family members to express concerns about their aging relative if they start to see declines in awareness, mobility, cognition or other age-related impairments. It is not enough to expect that older drivers will be able to police themselves, particularly if they are only experiencing flickering episodes of dementia or other problems.

The Frank Jenkins Law Office strongly encourages families to develop a plan for evaluating their loved ones’ abilities to function independently. While you do not want to be condescending or take away an elder’s independence prematurely, you also can play a role in preventing serious injuries or deaths in Kentucky car accidents that could have been prevented.