Since Southwest Florida is a popular retirement destination, elderly driver safety is a particularly important topic. According to census data from 2008, 17.4 percent of Florida’s population is age 65 years or older. Florida, in addition to other states, is expected to see an increase of older drivers on the roadways as the baby boomer generation ages. Florida already leads the nation in terms of older citizens, but the population of people age 65 years or older is expected to reach 27 percent by 2030.

Safe Mobility for Life Coalition

To address safety concerns associated with elderly drivers on the roadways, the Florida Department of Transportation has implemented a “Safe Mobility for Life Coalition”. This program is hoping to improve safety, access and mobility for Florida’s aging population. The coalition has a multi-pronged approach to improve safety for elderly drivers and other drivers and passenger occupants on the road.  They are addressing areas of advocacy, policy, licensing, enforcement, prevention and early recognition. Their Aging Road User Strategic Safety Plan is hoping to provide a safer transportation system for the aging population and the general public.

Drive Well Toolkit

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a fantastic “Drive Well Toolkit” for older drivers. The Drive Well Toolkit features information on evaluating an older driver’s effectiveness and addressing potential safety concerns. Additionally, there is also information related to implementing community action plans and how families can speak with their older loved ones.

Nationwide Statistics from the NHTSA

• 5,401 people age 65 years and older died in traffic crashes in 2011.
• 185,000 seniors were injured in traffic crashes in 2011.
• In 2011, 17 percent of all traffic deaths were among people age 65 years and older.
• In 2011, people age 65 years and older only made up 13 percent of the total U.S. population.

After a Wreck

Car crashes can leave victims in the hospital and out of work. In addition to lengthy hospital bills, you might be facing lost wages, rehabilitation costs, property damage, pain and suffering and a loss of future earnings. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an elderly driver, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Weldon & Rothman, PL for a free consultation today.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.