Americans love cars and the freedom that owning a car brings. Not surprisingly, many of us equate losing the ability to drive with losing our independence. But problems associated with older drivers have caused lawmakers to study and debate the question, “When is it time to take away the car keys?”
States have come up with answers that vary widely. More than 30 states have changed their driving laws to address the issue of older drivers. Neither New York nor New Jersey has adopted legislation that applies specifically to older drivers. However, New Jersey does have a special medical review unit that evaluates whether a driver is physically and mentally capable of operating a motor vehicle when concerns are raised.
Most states that have passed legislation focus either on the frequency with which a driver must renew a license or the examinations required for renewal. For example, Alaska and seven other states do not allow drivers over a certain age to renew a license electronically or by mail. Nineteen states have established an accelerated renewal schedule that requires drivers over a certain age to renew a license more frequently than younger drivers. Maryland and nine other states require older drivers to pass a vision test, while Florida and the District of Columbia go one step further and require a physician to certify that an older driver is physically and mentally competent to drive.
Why Are Older Drivers A Danger?
Just because a driver is older does not, in and of itself mean that the driver is a danger on the road. In fact, many people drive safely well into their 80s or 90s. Older drivers actually crash less frequently than younger drivers; however, they also drive less frequently than younger drivers. Changes come about as we age that can affect our ability to operate a vehicle safely. As the human body ages, we get slower, both physically and mentally. For some, the slowdown happens over years and is barely noticeable, while for others it can appear to happen overnight. An elderly driver whose reaction time has noticeably slowed or who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia can be a significant risk on the road.
Older individuals are also more likely to suffer from other health-related problems. While health issues alone may not present a problem, some medications can affect a person’s ability to drive. Common side effects of prescription medications include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, memory loss, nausea and vision problems. Any one of these could cause a driver to have a car collision.
As the nation’s population ages over the coming decades, states will continue to wrestle with issues related to older drivers.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in New York or New Jersey
If you have been injured in a collision and you believe that age-related driving issues were a factor in the collision, then you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the New York/New Jersey car accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd to find out what legal options you may have. With six offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you.
Call the firm today at 888-446-2783 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.