Los Angeles is a driving city and the young count the days until they can get behind the wheel and the older population cherish this important privilege. Those two categories of drivers are also the most likely to get into a car accident because inexperience and inability to respond to situations are two qualities that do not fit with the congested Los Angeles roadways.

By 2025 senior drivers (those over 65 years of age) are expected to represent 25% of all drivers. Cars and technology have come a long way since a lot of the older drivers on the road first started driving and many of these technologies are designed to make everyone safer. A recent study by AAA looked at whether senior drivers were actually using these helpful technologies. Unfortunately, most aren’t.

When surveying senior drivers on their use of technologies like back-up camera assistance, navigation technologies and adaptive cruise control and also certain vehicle modifications to make it physically easier to drive such as steering wheel adjustments and pedal assistance. Many of the survey questions were aimed at determining whether older drivers were making up for some of their age-related issues (slower cognitive response time, physical limitations, etc) by using technology. While male drivers were more likely to use technologies, they are also more likely to get into car accidents. Overall, 70% of the drivers surveyed should make modifications to account for physical issues and 90% of those drivers do not make any modifications. For many, the failure to use these technologies or make necessary modifications has to do with lack of knowledge about their existence or how to use them. Educating this growing sector of California drivers is becoming increasingly necessary and in the meantime be sure to help the older drivers in your life drive as safely as possible.

What happens if you are in a Los Angeles car accident with an older driver? Same as if the driver was young or middle-aged– you file a personal injury lawsuit against his or her insurance company to compensate you for your injuries, damage to your car or motorcycle and other issues you have dealt with as a result of the accident. If you or a loved one has recently been hit by an older driver in Southern California, do not hesitate to get in touch with us to help with your car insurance claim– we are available 24/7 and will work hard to maximize your recovery.