Elderly Drivers More Likely to Suffer Fatal Injuries

 Posted on May 21, 2018 in Brain Injuries

An elderly Lisle man suffered fatal injuries after a collision late Tuesday night on Ogden Avenue. The accident occurred when the man, who was driving a blue Nissan Rogue, crossed into the other lane of traffic and collided with a black Acura. Both Acura passengers remain in critical condition. The fatal accident serves a somber reminder of the risks elderly drivers face, as the 74-year-old man falls within an age demographic of drivers that disproportionately face risk of fatality while driving.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), elderly drivers face higher risks of fatal motor vehicle accidents than all age demographics other than teen drivers. In 2015 alone 240,000 elderly drivers suffered fatal injuries throughout the United States. If you or a member of your family are injured in an automobile collision, contact our experienced team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys to discuss your case today.

Why Are Elderly Drivers at Risk?

Out of all licensed drivers throughout the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that over 40 million are over the age of 65. In 2015, drivers within that age demographic accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities throughout the country.

So why are elderly drivers disproportionately at risk to suffer fatal and serious injuries?

As drivers, elderly citizens are forced to grapple with changes in their motor skills and mental cognition. Often times the recognition of changing physical and mental abilities can come too late.

Once injured, elderly drivers and passengers are less likely to recover from serious injuries. This is in large part due to weakened bones, but can also be impacted greatly by pre-existing injuries or conditions.

Contact a Compassionate Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer Today

Around the nation, states are working to help elderly drivers remain as safe as possible. Many states are tightening licensing renewals for older citizens, while other states are adopting programs geared to sharpen and maintain driving skills for the elderly.

Still, accidents do happen. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, the impact can be difficult and disheartening. At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., our distinguished team of Lake County personal injury attorneys have years of experience helping families recover from serious accidents. For more information on what steps to take after a motor vehicle collision, contact us online or call us today at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180515/74-year-old-man-killed-two-others-injured-in-lisle-car-crash

https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-older-drivers