Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
When it comes to Miami Shores car accidents, there is an age-related controversy. While some studies and experts suggest that elderly drivers are actually safer than young drivers when comparing car crash rates, the public perception is that elderly drivers are less safe due to cognitive, vision, and health changes.
Although there are advanced screening solutions available to test elderly drivers for cognitive ability and other driving-related skills, no states currently use the full spectrum of such tests. In most states, including Florida, the requirements for getting a new license or for getting a license renewed are the same, regardless of the driver’s age. However, it does mean that when a Miami Shores traffic accident involves an elderly driver, there is inevitably a question about whether different rules should apply to drivers in different age groups.
Florida does require drivers who are over 79 years of age to get a vision test. As well, elderly drivers in the state need to get their licenses renewed more often. Drivers 80 and older get driver’s license issued for six years, compared to eight years for all other drivers. This ensures that elderly drivers have to come in more often for renewal, which allows specially-trained driver’s-license examiners to evaluate drivers to see whether they may have any impediments that may prevent them from driving safely.
In addition to these rules, doctors play an important role in evaluating driver safety. Doctors who believe that a patient has a condition which impairs their driving ability are mandated to report the patient. Law enforcement authorities can also request that any drivers who have been given a citation be required to complete the driver’s exam again. The public can report anyone they feel may be a dangerous driver through the www.flhsmv.gov website.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, crash rates per mile traveled start increasing at age 80. However, many experts note that the overall crash rate for elderly drivers is lower than the crash rate for younger drivers, in part because the elderly drive fewer miles and in part because elderly drivers are statistically less likely to engage in some risky driving behaviors, such as texting and driving, drinking and driving, and other risky activities.
Seniors who want to avoid Miami Shores truck accidents and traffic accidents also have many options. Organizations such as AARP offer safety classes for elderly drivers and can help drivers find alternative forms of transportation once it becomes too unsafe to continue driving. These organizations also raise awareness about when a driver may need to hang up their keys.
If you have been injured in a Miami Shores car accident, arrange for a free accident consultation with the Flaxman Law Group to discuss your case. The Flaxman Law Group is a full-service law firm with three convenient Florida offices. Our compassionate and caring legal team can even visit your home, workplace, or hospital room if you are too injured to travel for your consultation. The legal team at the Flaxman Law Group has already successfully worked with thousands of South Florida personal injury and car accident survivors – call today to find out what we can do for you.