Personal Injury Blog

Senior motorists can use a number of adaptive devices that are designed to help mitigate their accident risks, and the challenges of driving in their 60s and 70s.

A number of devices, that are currently available in the market, specifically deal with the kind of challenges that senior motorists face while driving, like their inability to turn around quickly to watch out for vehicles behind them, their difficulty in maneuvering the steering, and the difficulty in using their legs and feet.

Some of these adaptive devices include larger mirrors that can help senior motorists check out vehicles behind them without excessive stress on their neck muscles, as well as special devices that make it easy for a senior to turn the key in the ignition without strain on arthritic finger joints. Seniors with arthritis may face special challenge getting in and out of a car, and can benefit from using leg lifts that allow them to use upper body muscles to help them get in and out of a car easily. Apart from these, swivel seats make it easier for a senior driver to move in and out of a vehicle. Knobs that are specifically designed for use with a steering wheel help motorists grab a steering wheel without excessive strain.

There are a number of other such devices that are specifically designed for senior motorists, and they could be key to helping senior motorists drive safely. However, it's important to seek professional guidance before you use one of these devices. Those devices that are external, like leg lifts can be used safely. However, those devices that must be installed in the vehicle will require professional advice and guidance. Devices must also only be installed by a professional and certified vehicle modifier.

In 2013, according to data released recently by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there was a 6 percent drop in the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents, compared to the previous year.

According to data released by the federal agency, in 2013, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic accident fatalities in this country and 4% of all injuries. There were a total of 4,668 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2013, a decrease from 4,982 fatalities recorded the previous year. Further, there were 88,000 motorcycle injuries recorded in 2013, a 5% drop from the previous year.

According to the statistics, the most common accident situation involving motorcyclists was collisions with motor vehicles. 74% of all motorcycles involved in motor vehicle accidents involved frontal impact accident, and very few involved motorcycles hit from behind by a vehicle. Motorcyclists are very likely to be involved in fatal accidents involving a stationary object. In 2013, 22% of motorcycles in fatal accidents collided with stationary objects, compared to a rate of 18 % of passenger cars and 14 % for light trucks.

Older motorcyclists above the age of 40 accounted for approximately 55% of all motorcyclists killed in accidents in 2013. That was a significant increase from the 46% rate in 2004. More than half of all motorcyclists, in 2013, were killed during weekdays. Again, a significant departure from statistics back in 2004, which showed that most motorcyclists were killed in accidents during weekends.

Nevada recorded a total of 55 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2013. Out of these, 31% of motorcycle accident fatalities involved motorcyclists, who were legally intoxicated at the time of the accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that as many as 14 % of teen driver-related accidents involve distractions. However, new statistics seem to indicate that the number is much higher.

According to the AAA foundation for Traffic Safety, one of its recent studies found that distraction was a factor in nearly 6 out of every 10 accidents involving teenagers. That is at least four times the official federal estimates.

This study involved an analysis of the seconds just before an accident. The researchers went through close to 1700 videos of teenage drivers in accidents. They found that distraction was a factor in as many as 58% of all the accidents that they surveyed.

That included as many as 89% of all accidents in which the car left the road. It also included 76% of all rear end accidents. These numbers are much higher than the 14% estimates by the federal administration.

The types of distractions also varied, and did not involve only cell phone use at the wheel. In 15% of the accidents, the distraction involved Interaction between motorists and teen passengers. Cell phone use was a factor in 12% of the accidents, while motorists who were looking at something other than the road caused 12 percent of the accidents. Distraction from outside the vehicle was a factor in 9% of the accidents, while music-related distractions, self-grooming and reaching for an object inside the car were cited as distractions in 6% of the accidents.

Cell phone use seemed to be some of the most dangerous distractions. Teenagers using cell phones at the wheel were most likely to take their hands off the steering wheel. They frequently used their hands, to dial numbers, or text while driving, and also often took their eyes off the road while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.