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Older drivers involved in fewer fatal car accidents

On Behalf of | Feb 28, 2014 | Car Accidents

Older drivers in Massachusetts often get a bad rap for being unsafe and dangerous behind the wheel. The stereotypes against old drivers may seem comical at times, but are they actually true?

A new study suggests that older drivers are actually safer than they used to be. In fact, drivers over the age of 70 involved in fatal car accidents have declined, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The study found older drivers are involved in fewer fatal crashes than previous generations, which is good news for everyone and shows that older drivers are not as dangerous behind the wheel.

The study claims that between 1995 and 2012, fatal car accidents decreased by 42 percent for drivers over the age of 70. More surprising is drivers over the age of 80 decreased their involved in fatal car accidents by 49 percent. 

Why are older drivers being involved in fewer fatal car accidents? The researchers said that vehicle safety standards have gotten better and is part of the reason why older drivers are not killed as often in car crashes. They also said that older drivers are healthier than previous generations, leading to better driving abilities and fewer car accidents. 

The finding that older drivers are involved in fewer fatal car accidents is great news. However, older drivers in Massachusetts have many factors to consider before getting behind the wheel. It is important to make sure you are physically and mentally able to operate a vehicle to keep yourself and everyone else safe on the road. It is also important to make sure you are driving a safe vehicle and to have proper maintenance done on your vehicle to reduce an accident caused by mechanical errors. 

Source: Market Watch, “Why it pays to drive like a grandpa,” Matthew Heimer, Feb. 20, 2014

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