We have all heard the rather insensitive references to senior drivers being less safe when behind the wheel of a car. “Old lady driver jokes” are popular in comedy routines. These stereotypes are often based on widely acknowledged physical limitations that can result from aging, including declines in hearing, reflexes and cognitive abilities. The presumption that elderly drivers are “less safe” often is accepted without much analysis or factual inquiry. It is legitimate to inquire whether elderly drivers are really more likely to be involved in a car accident in San Francisco or anywhere in the Bay Area than other age groups.
When one looks at statistical data, there is evidence that age related factors may contribute to car accidents involving seniors, but the likelihood of a senior being involved in an accident is not any worse than that of young inexperienced drivers. The car accident rate for drivers over 75 is comparable to that of inexperienced teen drivers.
While it is certainly reasonable to presume that physical changes related to aging may impact driving, this assumption may not provide a complete picture given a recent study. An article published in Accident Analysis and Prevention concluded that seniors are not more likely to be involved in car accidents despite potential diminished physical or mental capabilities. The study found that seniors are more inclined to drive carefully and respond more quickly to potential roadway hazards than younger drivers with less experience. For example, prior studies have shown that seniors are not as efficient at seeing and identifying pedestrians but compensate for their longer response time by driving slower and more cautiously.
Interestingly, the study also suggests that the caution and prudence exercised by elderly drivers also results in greater perception of driving hazards than that by younger drivers. The researchers divided test subjects into three separate age groups and asked them to observe roadway risk perception footage while they were being monitored with an eye tracking system. Elderly drivers were able to perceive accident risks as efficiently as younger drivers. Younger drivers also showed a tendency to miss minor hazards that followed immediately after a serious accident risk whereas elder drivers did not fail to perceive both car accident risks.
The study suggests that it may be premature to presume that sharper reflexes and keener perception are the keys to safe driving. This study of driving accident risks involving elderly drivers provides evidence that caution, prudence and experience play as much or an even greater role in preventing motor vehicle accidents. This is not necessarily inconsistent with every day experience where distracted drivers, drunk drivers and speeding drivers are amongst the greatest causes of serious car accidents in San Francisco. The implications of this study are that most auto collisions are not really accidents but the product of a conscious decision to drive with less than the full level of attention and care needed to prevent injury to others. If you are involved in a car accident caused by an inattentive or careless driver, our experienced San Francisco car accident attorneys may be able to help.
Contact Us
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, and if you need a San Francisco car accident attorney, contact The Law Office of Ian Zimmerman for your free initial consultation. We are open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., speak Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese, and are available for weekend, evening, home and hospital meetings and visits. We also offer free initial consultations and work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, so that you pay nothing if we don’t win your case.
Call (800) 266-5000 to speak with a California car accident lawyers about your case today.