Senior Citizens Reason for Design of Safer Cars by Automakers
Dec 14, 2009 Auto & Car Crashes
Drivers over the age of 65 will account for over 20% of all drivers in this country by the year 2030. This means that a growing number of motorists will be on the road who often have mental or physical limitations that could affect their ability to drive in a safe manner. Although the reasons are completely different, the elderly have an accident rate that is equal to that of teenage drivers. Automobile manufacturers are starting to consider the limitations of senior drivers as they design automobiles, according to a report by the NPR.
The concept of designing vehicles for the safety of seniors is not a new one, but it was difficult for auto designers and engineers who are younger to understand exactly what types of limitations the elderly face when driving. Ford approached this dilemma by developing an “aging suit,” which was made with heavy padding that instantly adds 30 years to the person who is wearing its life. In its Virtual Environment Lab, Ford simulated driving conditions that the elderly often face. Test drivers in this lab wore the aging suit, along with gloves and goggles. Those who observed from the outside could see precisely what problems were encountered by the driver, and fix the issue.
More automakers are following suit, and General Motors has a division that is in the process of making a special windshield to help the elderly compensate for difficulties in vision. While this is still in the developmental stages and will not be available for at least six years, Los Angeles auto accident lawyers are happy to see that measures are being taken that allow the elderly to drive safer.
Whether the elderly should be allowed to drive has been the subject of debate. In 2006, an 86 year old man crashed into an open air market in Santa Monica after losing control of his car, resulting in 10 fatalities. George Russell was extremely frail and ill, and although convicted on 10 felony counts, he was let off on probation.
This catastrophe led to a national debate about elderly motorists and whether they should be required to take road tests when it is time to renew their license. The thought of discrimination based on their age outrages senior citizens, who claim that their are fewer accidents involving people in their age group. California’s streets are extremely congested, and elderly drivers face numerous problems such as poor vision and hearing, along with slower reflexes. Additionally, senior citizens have more medical conditions that could trigger an attack while they are at the wheel.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to serving as Los Angeles accident attorney‘s in representing personal injury victims, including victims of auto accidents. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.
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