A study conducted by researchers at Australian National University indicates that even healthy senior drivers who do not have dementia and drive frequently, may be at risk of driving errors.  These risks increase with the age of the driver.

The researchers study analyzed 266 drivers between the age of 70 and 88.  The subjects were put through a 12-mile driving test.  These were all healthy seniors who lived independently, had never shown any signs of dementia, and drove at least once a week.  Their driving skills were measured by a driving instructor and an occupational therapist in the car.  The occupational therapist noted down the critical driving errors made by the driver.

The study found that in the 70-74 age group, there was an average of one critical driving error.  However, in the 85-89 age group, there was an average of four critical driving errors.  The risk of making critical driving errors and being involved in accidents increased dramatically in seniors who were just a decade older.

The research did not find any differences between male and female drivers.  However, the researchers did note that persons who had been involved in an accident in the past five years were at a much greater risk of making critical driving errors.

As a Houston personal injury attorney, I know that senior motorists may face several challenges that impact their driving skills.  These challenges are physical, mental and cognitive, and we need more research to understand how to limit these risks because of the rapidly increasing senior driver population.

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.

For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.

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