Self-driving cars could help older drivers stay safe

On Behalf of | Sep 22, 2016 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Older Montana drivers may be able to look forward to many more years behind the wheel thanks to new vehicle safety technology. Cars are now being developed with autonomous technology that can detect imminent hazards and then brake or steer to avoid them. Safety features like blind-spot warning systems already come standard on some vehicles.

People at or over the age of 70 are at a greater risk of being involved in car accidents and sustaining serious injuries. Older drivers tend to have more confusion on busy roads and less ability to scan for hazards due to their decreased range of motion. When an accident does occur, older people with fragile bones may suffer from more severe injuries than younger accident victims.

Despite the risks of driving past a certain age, current trends indicate that there will be more elderly drivers sharing the roads in the coming years. U.S. Census Bureau data shows that there will be almost 54 million people at or over the age of 70 by the year 2030, and 80 percent of these people will have their driver’s licenses. Making vehicles safer for older drivers could be one of the benefits of autonomous technology. Some vehicle manufacturers are even claiming that they will have completely autonomous cars available within the next decade.

Despite safety improvements in vehicles, there are still many car accidents caused by human error and negligence. People that have been injured in motor vehicle accidents can seek compensation from the at-fault parties through a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can be of assistance in this regard.

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