The Lewisville Morning News recently ran an article that was filled with good news regarding car crashes and fatalities among drivers who are 70 years of age and older. The article reported that drivers among this age group are less likely to be involved in car crashes, or either seriously injured or killed if they are. Not only are vehicles getting safer, the article stated, but seniors are getting healthier as well.
A Long-Term Trend
The article cites a study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. According to the study, the number of car crashes and fatalities among elderly drivers has actually been decreasing since the mid-1990s. Overall, the study stated, fatalities have declined to levels not seen since the late 1940s. However, the decline has been especially significant among the elderly. Fatal car crashes among older drivers fell 42 percent between 1997 and 2012, compared to a 30 percent drop among middle-aged drivers.
Hopefully, these findings will help eliminate the perception that elderly drivers are inherently dangerous. Not only are they driving safer, they’re driving more. The average annual mileage of those 75 and older rose more than 50 percent from 1995 to 2008, according to the study.
The findings of the study should prove even more important if current trends continue. The reason is that the number of people in the U.S. who are 70 or older is expected to be about 64 million by the year 2050. Compare that to the fact that there were approximately 29 million people in that age range as of 2012, and the number of elderly drivers on the road will grow significantly.
The Todd Durham Law Firm obviously applauds this news, but we are here to help if you or someone close to you is involved in an accident that is the fault of another – no matter what their age may be. Give us a call at 214-222-4000 or contact us online if you ever need our assistance.
