The Mature Driver Debate: Understanding the Rights of All Drivers

Lever & Ecker, PLLC September 28, 2012 Car Accidents

It’s no surprise that mature drivers are often at the forefront of many accidents in the United States. In fact, according to a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University, people ages 85 and up are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than new teenage drivers. As baby boomers age, this means that there will soon be a lot more elderly drivers on the road than ever before.

Every day there are stories about car accidents involving mature adults. While you hear of the occasional car plowing through a store-front, more tragic accidents happen all the time, involving fatalities of multiple people on the road. Incidents like these have prompted some resident to advocate stricter driving laws when it comes to older adults.

There seems to be no end in sight with this debate as every state tries to protect the rights of all drivers. While some elderly people drive worse than the typical teenager, stripping away all driving privileges may not be the best solution. In fact, there are some mature adults who can still drive quite well, yet they have fallen under the elderly-driver stereotype.

So what can be done? One fair solution may be to support vision tests and driving exams for all adults, no matter what their ages. Also remember that if you are ever in any kind of car accident (whether a mature driver is involved or not), you should always speak with an experienced NY car accident attorney before settling with insurance companies. Protecting your rights from all aspects of driving is an essential part of sharing the road.

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