Car Accident Rates Decrease When Elderly Drivers Are Tested More Often

 Posted on June 20, 2017 in Personal Injury

Illinois has some of the strictest rules for elderly drivers. Car safety experts believe that these requirements keep the roads safer and reduce motor vehicle accidents.

Illinois is the only state that requires the elderly to have their driving skills tested more often than younger drivers. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the frequent evaluations weed out the elderly drivers who are unfit to be on the road.

Illinois Laws for Elderly Drivers

State law requires that those over 75 years old to renew their driver’s licenses every four years. Part of this renewal process includes a road test. Drivers over 80 years old require renewal every two years. Drivers who are at least 87 years old are to apply for a renewal every year.

Many other states simply require in-person renewal and a satisfactory eye test. Illinois is unique in that it requires a driving test.

Comparing Accident Rates Among States

Accident rates show that the youngest drivers on the road have the most crashes. Older drivers are the next most crash-prone group.

The Highway Loss Data Institute compared Illinois car accident claim rates against the rates of neighboring states with less stringent elderly driving laws. It determined that claims for property damage and bodily injury to other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists were lower than expected for drivers over 74 in Illinois.

The Highway Loss Data Institute did note that increased restrictions have been tried in New Hampshire with mixed results. Eventually, the state repealed the law. Experts think that public transportation options in New Hampshire are too limited, encouraging people to just drive anyway.

Contact a Lombard, IL Car Accident Lawyer

Despite Illinois’ enhanced screening laws for the elderly, car accidents are still common. If you have been in an accident where you were not at fault, either with an elderly person or not, you should not have to pay for your injuries.

The law considers many consequences from car accidents to be injuries compensable under law. A seasoned car accident attorney will be able to discuss what injuries may be at issue in your case.

The accomplished DuPage County car accident attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices are ready to discuss your car accident case with you. Our attorneys can answer any questions you may have and discuss the viability of your claim.

Call 630-932-9100 today for a free consultation.