Elderly Are Dying In St. Louis Accidents
On January 10, 2018, a pickup truck that “skidded while attempting to stop at a red light” hit a 78-year-old woman driving through an intersection in North St. Louis. She had the green light. On May 27, 2018, a minivan attempting to turn into a shopping mall hit a 79-year-old man on a scooter in South St. Louis County. KMOV-TV reported both elderly victims were killed.
Time and again the elderly die in accidents when younger drivers survive because aging makes seniors – even those in good physical condition – physically vulnerable. The Journal of Emergency Medical Services – a website for EMS responders – says elderly people can suffer “devastating consequences” even if their injuries are minor. According to the Mayo Clinic, accidents can kill elderly victims because medical shock can severely restrict the flow of blood to vital organs, causing permanent damage.
Data shows more elderly likely to die on the road
The number of elderly drivers and their equally vulnerable passengers is growing fast in the U.S. Baby boomers are pushing the numbers up. They began aging in 2010, putting more frail Americans at risk on the road. By mid-century, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts 80 million Americans, 1 in every 5, will be elderly.
Elderly drivers also cause fatal accidents
Yielding the right of way is the most dangerous error older drivers make. They also misjudge gaps between vehicles, another’s vehicle’s speed, have accidents when they change lanes, pass other cars, use expressway ramps and make left turns. The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration says crashes are low among senior drivers “until age 74,” then they go up sharply. But seniors are more of a danger to themselves than to others.
Memory, vision, physical stamina, reflexes, response time and attention span are adversely affected, especially after age 75. Many older drivers limit their driving, track their physical abilities and adjust their driving accordingly. They take courses designed to help them avoid accidents. They stay off freeways, use alternate routes and quit driving at night.
Wayne Wright: Don’t let an impaired relative drive
Missouri drivers 70 or older must renew their licenses every three years in person, pass a vision test, and possibly take a driving test. If you know an elderly driver isn’t safe, take the keys. There’s help for that tough step because Wayne Wright knows penalties can be extremely harsh if an elderly unfit driver causes an accident.
His national, legal awards are honors he earned by winning large settlements for victims for the last 40 years. If an elderly driver hit you, contact Wayne Wright. Calls and evaluations are free. Fees are only due when Wayne Wright wins your case. Wayne Wright is one of America’s top trial lawyers.