NHTSA Calls for Improved Safety Guidelines for Elderly Motorists

December 6, 2013

The population of elderly citizens in the United States is continuing to grow each day. Figures indicate that, since 2003, the number of Americans over the age of 65 years old has increased by 20 percent. With age comes a deterioration in vision , hearing, and reaction times, which can too often lead to motor vehicle accidents.

The Rochester Car Accident Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices explain the federal government is working to improve safety guidelines for elderly drivers in order to reduce the chances of this particular demographic being involved in a collision. Experts claim the changes are needed, considering a three percent increase in the number of elderly motorists killed and a 16 percent spike in the number of injured older drivers last year compared to 2011.

These numbers prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to call for better vehicle safety equipment, including the implementation of vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology. Furthermore, the NTHSA called for a better data collection system to be created, as well as increasing driver awareness of the effects age can have on one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

William Mattar’s Personal Injury Lawyers are aware of the serious risks drivers face on the road. That is why the firm is hopeful the NHTSA’s plan to improve highway safety is successful!