Just about every day, we get into our cars and drive to work, to run errands, to pick up the kids at soccer practice or to meet up with friends for dinner. In many cases, we are more concerned with getting where we need to be on time than we are with who we are sharing the road with.
Which driver is most likely to cause an accident?
The fact is, every driver on the road has the potential to cause an accident. It may be one that could have been prevented or a complete fluke, but the risk of getting into a crash is very real. However, learning which drivers are most likely to cause an accident could help people be more aware on the road. It could also help those drivers who are at a higher risk of causing an accident assess their own driving behaviors before an accident occurs.
According to statistics, drivers between the ages of 16 and 29 cause the most accidents. This may be unsurprising, as this group consists largely of novice drivers, college students and young adults.
As drivers get older, the number of crashes per miles driven declines steadily. Again, this may be unsurprising, as older drivers may be more cautious.
However, the rate of crashes increases for drivers who are around the age of 70 and it only goes up from there. This is and will continue to be a serious issue, as the number of seniors is expected to double between 2012 and 2050. By then, there will be an estimated 83.6 million senior drivers, many of whom will be licensed drivers.
Is age only a number? Does it matter?
It is important to note that being a certain age does not mean a person is a potentially dangerous driver. However, elderly drivers often struggle with vision problems, impaired coordination and reflexes, memory loss and confusion which can significantly impact their behaviors and capabilities behind the wheel.
With all of this in mind, it may be a good time to remind young drivers about safety while driving and reassess an elderly loved one’s driving abilities. Addressing potential issues before an accident happens can save lives and prevent the devastation of physical and emotional damages suffered by crash victims.
If you have suffered from another driver’s negligence, contact us today. We can help you with the claim and get the compensation you deserve. OEB Law, PLLC, the ones you know and trust. (865) 546-1111.
