The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed in their last reporting year there were more than 45 million drivers over the age of 65. Washington D.C car accidents are a significant health concern as they account for several deaths and hundreds of injuries every year. While driving is a rite of passage for younger adults and a source of independence for older adults, these two populations are at an increased risk for accidents.
Many health and safety agencies have conducted research to assess how driver characteristics impact the likelihood of an accident. Historically, studies showed that younger and older drivers have a higher risk of fatal and non-fatal accidents than other age groups. Additionally, some studies suggest that drivers between 70-74 years old exhibit less crash risk than drivers between the ages of 75 and 79. However, the highest risk tends to be to drivers aged 80 and older. In addition to age, research studies found that generally, female drivers are considered safer motorists compared to men. However, although women tend to have fewer fatal crashes, their risk of injury crashes may be higher than males.
A recent Washington Post article regarding the death of an 82-year-old driver illustrates the aforementioned statistic. According to reports, the man was driving north when his car slammed into a Jeep driver who veered into oncoming traffic. The 82-year-old man then slammed into another vehicle. Tragically the emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene and transported the other three drivers to a local hospital.
In addition to age and gender, environmental factors play a role in the likelihood of an accident. Generally, crashes are more likely to occur at nighttime than other times of the day. Time of day also appears to affect the severity of accidents, as motorists are more likely to suffer fatal injuries after a nighttime accident. Despite these findings, researchers explain that these statistics are non-linear, and many factors can account for the crash factors. For instance, high-mileage drivers often spend a greater proportion of their time on highways.
While these statistics help to understand and prevent accidents, the fact remains that driver error tends to play a large role in these crashes. Those who suffer injuries in a Washington D.C. accident should contact an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.
What Age Group Gets into the Most Car Accidents?
According to the most recently available data, those with the highest risk of causing a car accident are drivers who are 80 and older. These drivers are more likely to suffer from compromised eyesight, hearing, or other medical issues that can cause them to miss hazards other drivers may notice.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Washington D.C. Accident?
If you or someone you love suffers injuries or dies in a Washington D.C. car accident, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen. The attorneys at our office understand the devastating toll an accident can have on a person’s livelihood and ability to sustain substantial and gainful employment. Our lawyers work to secure compensation for our clients to help them focus on their recovery. In addition to Washington D.C. traffic accidents, our firm also handles cases involving premises liability, defective medical devices, negligent healthcare providers, and wrongful death cases. Contact our office at 800-654-1949 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.