Older drivers at increased risk of car accidents in Tennessee

You are encouraged to speak to elderly loved ones about the importance of safe driving this week and throughout the holiday season in an attempt to reduce the risk of Knoxville car accidents.

With the retirement of the baby boomers, the number of older drivers is expected to increase by 70 percent over the next two decades, according to the National Safety Council, which is promoting Older Driver Safety Awareness Week this week.

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a total of 180 fatal traffic crashes involving drivers age 65 and over in Tennessee. This equates to 13% which was higher than the national average at 11.1%. Furthermore, 15.1% of fatalities in traffic crashes involved drivers 65 and over, this too higher than the national average of 14.8%.

As drivers age, they want to cling to their driver’s license and the freedom that it brings them. According to an article by Detroit News, federal officials are predicting by 2030 that there will be almost twice as many elderly drivers (57 million) on the roadways than the 32 million drivers on the roadways today. For the first time since its inception, the National Transportation Safety Board is going to delve in to safety issues concerning the age of drivers — some 78 percent of those over the age of 70 still have their driver’s license.

The NTSB is looking into a couple of safety items for aging drivers. First is an inflatable safety belt that would help a more fragile driver or backseat occupant in hopes that chest injuries would be less likely to occur. A second approach is changing road structures so that left turns are easier to maneuver.

Tennessee’s approach to safer roads with elderly drivers is to educate and train by offering a number of programs that help assist as a driver turns age 60. According to Johnson City Press there are programs like defensive driving courses, CarFit (measures problem’s an older person faces when sitting in driver’s seat), and mature driver (offers insurance discounts once an aged driver passes the program). CarFit is a free event and is advantageous because the elderly drive their own car and are tested for vision, mobility, and operation of the vehicle.

If you or a loved one are involved in a Tennessee car accident call Hartsoe Law Firm for experienced and free consultation at 877-472-5657.