Teenage drivers reportedly cause a large number of car accidents, which to most people is not surprising, but many collisions are also the result of older drivers. Connecticut has become acutely aware of the danger of senior drivers. Car accidents can be caused by people of all ages and injure or kill those in every age group.
An autumn automobile collision inflicted serious injuries upon a pedestrian. A vehicle driven by an 87-year-old hit the man; the impact of the crash threw the victim to the ground, where he was then dragged behind the automobile for about 15 feet. The man was transported to a hospital, but after two months of recovery and recuperation he took a negative turn, from which he was unable to overcome. The driver responsible for the accident thought he had been pressing the brake, but was accelerating instead.
No charges were pressed against the 87-year-old driver, but authorities did take possession of his license. The DMV will ultimately be responsible for deciding whether to return his license or to place a more permanent ban on it. Studies have shown that older drivers are not only more numerous, but they also tend to be in car accidents that result in serious injuries and death. The risks older drivers present to other drivers and themselves make many question whether the tests in place are enough to provide the utmost safety to those on the road.
While it is true that drivers of all ages need to transport themselves independently, it is also true that certain factors can put someone at more risk of causing or contributing to car accidents. The pedestrian killed in this Connecticut accident was unfortunately the victim of a mistake made by an older driver. While no charges were filed against the driver, the victim's family still has the opportunity to file civil claims on behalf of their loved one. These claims can help the family with funeral costs and medical bills that the accident created.
Source: Patch.com, Graying of CT Drivers: Who Decides When Pops Gives up the Car Keys?, Barbara Heins, Dec. 18, 2013
No Comments
Leave a comment