Martindale-hubbell peer review
Justia 10
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Avvo Rating 10 Marc C. Hartsoe Top Attorneys
10 Best 2017 Attorney Client Satisfaction
10 Years Selected to Super Lawyers
CityView Top Lawyers

Older drivers at increased risk of car accidents in Tennessee

Mark Hartsoe

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 (865) 804-1011.

Contact Us

  • Free Consultation
  • 865-804-1011

Topics

Search Our Website

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Will Travel to You for Home & Evening Visits
  3. 3 No Fees Unless You WIN

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in this form. This form sends information by non-encrypted e-mail which is not secure.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Leave Us a Message

Client Reviews

I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark...

Mickey Anderson

I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance...

Nate Holder

I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of...

John Lusinger

I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it...

S. Carter

Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much.

Sam & Judy Kachar
View More
Submit a Law Firm Client Review