Auto accident injury and fatality data for the past few years clearly demonstrates a need for insights that will improve driving safety for teens and older adults. The data indicates that drivers in these two age groups are 
disproportionately more likely to be injured or killed in an auto accident. People in these age groups are learning to drive in a range of conditions and circumstances and learning again how to drive in these circumstances with changing abilities and limitations.
There are ways to improve teen and older adult driving safety. Some of the improvements are
related to tips and reminders; others are related to equipment and technology.
In August 2017, U.S. News & World Report published a list of the best new cars for teen drivers. Their list included:
- 2017 Toyota Corolla
- 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
- 2017Hundai Elantra
- 2018 Chevrolet Mailbu
- 2017 Toyota Avalon
- 2017 Honda CR-V
- 2017 Subaru Outback
- 2017 Kia Sorento
These cars were chosen for their superior safety features, including accident prevention and crash protection. All of these cars are equipped with forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane departure warning, and other assistive and protective technologies. According to the magazine editors, “to be named one of the Best New Cars for Teens, a vehicle has to have the best combination of reliability ratings, crash test scores, available advanced driver assistance features and top critics’ recommendations in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings in its price category. “
The features for which these vehicles were chosen are equally important for older adult drivers. Faced with slower reaction times, vision and hearing changes, and more, these vehicles offer assistive and protective advances important for older drivers, as well. Some older adult drivers might choose more costly vehicles that have these and other safety and protective technologies.
Among the safe driving tips offered to older adult drivers by State Farm Insurance are the following. Notably, these tips are equally appropriate for teen drivers who typically lack the experience needed under certain driving circumstances.
- Avoid driving during peak traffic times (rush hour, mid-day).
- Limit distracting noise in your vehicle (radio, conversations with passengers, use of cell phones). Limit the number of passengers and ensure that they will behave reasonably.
- Always remain alert for lights and sounds that indicate the presence of emergency vehicles.
- Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Better, maintain some extra distance between vehicles, even at stops.
- Choose a car with automatic transmission, if at all possible.
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Do not drive when feeling tired, stressed, or lightheaded.
- Avoid driving in bad weather if at all possible.
- Avoid roads that are in bad condition.
- Drive on familiar roads.
- Wear your seatbelt.
- If you have any doubt about your ability to drive at any time, ride with someone else or use public transportation.
Improving teen and older adult driving safety might begin with the choice of a vehicle with the best reliability ratings, and assistive and safety technology. Driving safety also requires recognition of one’s limitations and willingness to accommodate the demands of driving under given circumstances and conditions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a teen or older adult driver, or with any driver, call 911; call your insurance company; and call Altizer Law, P.C. Our trusted attorneys are here to help you and to represent you if that is your wish.
