According to the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the number of elderly drivers in the United States rose to 41.7 million in 2016 (out of 221.7 million licensed drivers). The high number of senior drivers poses a complex problem for legislators. While many senior drivers are healthy and can drive responsibly, others aren’t fit to drive anymore due to their advanced age, impaired faculties, and poor health.
What Challenges Do Older Drivers Face?
Car accidents involving elderly drivers can occur for a variety of reasons. First, as individuals age, their attention span decreases and their responses slow down. As a result, they’re unable to react to various roadblocks—including dogs, pedestrians, bikers, and other cars—in a timely manner.
The following health issues can also impair elderly drivers:
- Poor eyesight
- Arthritis
- Dementia
- Side effects of prescribed medication
- Other ailments
What Are the Rules for Elderly Drivers’ License Renewal?
Typically, an old driver must go to the California Department of Motor Vehicles to personally renew their driver’s license if they are aged 70 and above. In most cases, the DMV will ask the driver to accomplish a senior driving test, which may include a written knowledge test along with a vision test.
In the event that an elderly driver does not satisfy the vision test’s 20/40 requirement, the office will give a Report of Vision Examination to the driver and direct them to an opthamologist or optometrist. The DMV can only grant the driver a license renewal once the Report of Vision Examination has been reviewed and the applicant passes the vision test.
However, the elderly driver can undergo the Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation if they do not pass the vision test. The DMV generally conducts this examination if the applicant fails to meet the vision standard, lacks certain driving skills, or suffers from a psychological or physical condition that hinders their ability to drive.
Get Legal Help From Experienced Car Accident Lawyers
In the event that a car accident happens and a senior driver causes the crash or collision, the responsibility for the victims’ damages and losses falls on the elderly driver. And since they should ensure that their loved one is able to operate a vehicle, it is also possible to deem the driver’s family accountable for the mishap.
If you were involved in an elderly driver accident, you have the right to claim damages against the party at fault. However, claiming any personal injury compensation against the party at fault won’t be easy. There are different laws involved, depending on the type of accident that occured. Evidence also needs to be produced to prove that the party at fault was to blame.
If you’re serious in getting the maximum compensation you deserve against the party at fault, then seek help from Mesriani Law Group’s expert car accident attorneys. They’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you’re recompensed for all your suffering and losses.
