Florida Leads the Nation in Fatal Crashes Involving Drivers Over 65

Every year, there are fatal crashes Involving Drivers Over 65 in the Sunshine State when most come for rest and relaxation and to live out their retirement years.  Others choose to visit several months out of the year, and are commonly referred to as ‘snow birds.’

Florida has a sizeable senior population and according to a recent study, Florida leads the nation in the number of fatal crashes involving individuals over the age of 65.

Car accidents involving the elderly can happen for many reasons. Depending on the health of the driver, it could be due to failing eyesight or hearing, as well as loss of flexibility and muscle control. Many senior drivers simply do not have the quick reflexes they used to have and are not able to react quickly in dangerous driving situations.

Whatever the reason, the Department of Transportation reports that Florida leads the nation in the number of deadly accidents involving senior citizens, with Alachua County leading the urban areas reporting deadly car accidents.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the senior citizen community in Florida comprises 19 percent of the state’s population, and it is growing by the day. The state currently requires every driver over the age of 80 years old to have their license renewed every six years, although this has been a point of contention amongst many senior drivers. Others question whether six years is frequent enough to ensure that older drivers can safely navigate the roads.

The decision to tell your aging loved one that it is time for them to give up the car keys can be a tough one. By no means is it a pleasant conversation to have, but it is often a necessary one for the safety of others on the road, as well as the safety of your loved one.

The Florida Safe Mobility for Life offers many different tips for handling this sensitive subject with an older relative or loved one. It is important to understand that driving is something with which these individuals take a great deal of pride. Do not bring it up as a way to embarrass him or her, and do not bully the person into giving up their car keys.

Be aware of your loved one’s limitations, whether medications can make it even more dangerous for him or her to drive, and whether certain medical conditions, such as the onset of dementia, make getting behind the wheel a dangerous decision.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Florida, it is very important to consult with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney immediately. Florida auto accident victims have only 14 days to seek initial medical attention to receive insurance benefits after an accident, so it is important you are seen by a doctor as soon as possible following the accident. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws and since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families- and hold auto insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO and others accountable for the pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages suffered by our clients. Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.