Elderly Drivers and Maryland Car Crashes

With an aging population and an increasing reliance on personal vehicles, the issue of elderly driver car accidents has become a growing concern in Maryland and across the nation. There is no specific age at which a senior citizen becomes too old to drive a vehicle. The age when a motorist should stop driving varies from person to person. There are, however, common driving-related challenges that many elderly motorists face. While older adults contribute significantly to society and deserve independent mobility, their physical and cognitive changes can sometimes pose risks on the roadways.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 500 people over the age of 65 are involved in car collisions causing injuries every day in America, and nearly two dozen elderly drivers die in fatal car accidents every day. Crashes among older drivers in Maryland are worsening. Between 2013 and 2017 the number of overall crashes involving elderly motorists increased. In 2017, 16 percent of Maryland’s nearly 35,000 injury car crashes involved an elderly driver age 65 and older.

Regardless of their age, elderly motorists are held to the same standards of safe operation required of other drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash caused by a negligent elderly driver, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Intersection Car Accidents and Other Risk Factors

One area where elderly drivers are particularly vulnerable is at intersections. Research shows that drivers 80 and older are involved in nearly 40% of all fatal multivehicle crashes at intersections, compared to only about 20% for middle-aged motorists. The complexity of making left turns, judging speed and distance, and processing multiple moving vehicles can be more difficult with age.

This does not mean that every elderly driver is unsafe, but it does show that certain situations on the roadways can be riskier for older motorists and those around them.

Why Elderly Motorists Face Greater Risks

Several factors explain why car accidents and fatality rates are higher for older drivers:

• Slower reaction times. As people age, their reflexes often slow, making it harder to respond quickly to sudden stops or hazards.
• Declining vision and hearing. Reduced ability to see clearly, especially at night or in peripheral vision, can lead to missed signals or unseen obstacles.
• Medication side effects. Many older adults take prescription medication that may cause drowsiness, confusion, or delayed reactions.
• Chronic health conditions. Arthritis, bursitis, and other joint conditions, pain, stiffness, or limited mobility may make it harder to turn the steering wheel, check blind spots, or brake in time.

Together, these factors create a higher overall risk on the road for elderly drivers compared to younger motorists.

Five Leading Types of Car Crashes for Elderly Drivers

Here are five situations where car crashes involving elderly drivers most commonly occur, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

• Turning left at an intersection with a stop sign
• Turning left at an intersection on a green light without a turn arrow
• Turning right at a yield sign to merge with traffic traveling 40 to 45 miles per hour
• Merging onto a highway from a ramp that has a yield sign
• Changing lanes on a roadway that has four or more lanes

What to Do After a Car Crash That Was Caused by an Elderly Driver

If you or someone you know was involved in a car collision caused by an elderly driver, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Move to safety and get medical assistance if needed. Nothing is more important than your health.
• Contact law enforcement.
• Obtain essential information, such as the other driver’s insurance details, and take your own photos of the damaged vehicles, damaged property, and photos of the scene.
• Gather contact information for witnesses. (Police often leave witnesses off their reports or do not get the correct contact information)
• Do NOT make a handshake agreement with the driver of the other car.
• Do NOT admit any fault. (Now is not the time to determine who was at fault. Admitting any fault can be used against you later. Your understanding of the accident might even be wrong.)
• Do NOT leave the scene of the incident. Even if you were not at fault for the accident, leaving the scene could qualify as a “hit-and-run,” which is a crime in Baltimore and could damage your claim for compensation.
• Never refuse to mention injuries to the police or paramedics. Any evidence of medical injuries can be vital in your compensation claim.

Safety Tips for Elderly Motorists in Maryland

Keeping our roadways safe for everyone requires a collective effort. Here are some safety tips for elderly drivers to consider:

• Regularly self-assess your driving abilities: Be honest with yourself about any limitations you may have and adjust your driving habits accordingly. Consider taking a driver refresher course.
• Schedule regular vision and hearing checkups: Early detection and correction of any impairments can significantly improve driving safety.
• Limit driving in challenging conditions: Avoid driving at night, in bad weather, or during peak rush hour traffic hours.
• Talk to your doctor about medications: Discuss any potential side effects of your medications that could affect your driving.
• Consider alternative transportation: Explore public transportation, ride-sharing services, or relying on family and friends for assistance with transportation needs.

The safety and security of senior drivers age 65 years or older is of increasing concern in Maryland. The percentage of older residents in Maryland is expected to increase to 25 percent of Maryland’s projected population of 6.7 million by the year 2030. Car crashes involving elderly motorists have fluctuated over recent years and require attention and work to move them steadily downward. At the Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO), efforts are being made to educate older drivers, their families, and caregivers to enforce traffic laws for elderly driver safety as this demographic continues to increase.

Your Motor Vehicle Car Crash Attorney: The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt – Advocating for Car Crash Accident Victims in Maryland

Elderly driver car crashes are a complex issue with significant public safety implications. Seniors need to follow safe driving rules, understand any physical limitations they have, and talk to a doctor if driving is becoming difficult. If you have been involved in a car crash accident in Maryland, the dedicated legal team at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt is here to guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault insurance company with knowledge and professionalism.

With decades of experience, we have assisted thousands of clients in navigating the legal complexities that arise after an auto accident with injuries and damages. We are committed to gathering all necessary information and building a strong case to secure a fair settlement.

Our team has extensive experience representing a wide range of clients who have been injured in car wrecks throughout Maryland. Driven by a passion to help, we offer a free initial consultation where we provide honest legal advice and options to help with your situation. We operate on a contingency basis, if you do not receive any monies for your car accident claim, you do not owe us a penny.

Contact the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt at 443-844-1528 to schedule your free 1:1 no-obligation case evaluation today. We are available 24/7/365.