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Beware of Older Drivers Behind the Wheel

  • Jan 10 2014
  • Gilleon Law Firm, APC

According to figures from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 15 older adults are killed and 500 are injured in motor vehicle crashes every day. The CDC reports that in 2008, 5,500 senior citizens were killed in car crashes and more than 180,000 were injured.

More older drivers will be driving

The Pew Research Center estimates that 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 every day for the next 18 years. This means that by 2030, one in five drivers will be aged 65 plus and they will outnumber 16–19 year olds by three to one.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that teenagers and drivers aged 80 plus are considerably more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes than middle-aged drivers. With a drastically increasing senior citizen population and the statistically proven bad driving record of older Americans, states need to adapt.

California re-examines some drivers

California is prepared to handle the potential influx of elderly drivers through its Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). Under California law, a person with a poor driving record or a recent physical or mental condition may require a re-examination by the DMV. A re-examination may be initiated by one of the following:

  • Doctor
  • Emergency technician
  • Concerned family member
  • Police officer
  • Your driving record
  • An answer on a driver license renewal application

The re-examination consists of a DMV hearing officer interviewing you and requesting certain medical records. In addition, you may be asked to submit to a vision, written and driving test. The purpose of the re-examination is to determine if your driving privileges should be continued, suspended, restricted or revoked.

If you have been injured because of the poor driving of a senior citizen, you may be eligible to recover damages. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Diego auto accident lawyer who can advise you of your rights.


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