People of any age can make mistakes when driving that lead to a crash that injures others. Yet, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that people in two particular age groups can pose a particular threat to other road users (and themselves).
These two groups lie at either end of the driving spectrum – the very young and the very old.
The young
Young driver, as in those in their teens, won’t have a lot of experience behind the wheel, as legally they have not been allowed to gain it yet. Summer is one of the times when many teen drivers go out and gain a significant chunk of experience, and they also feature in a disproportionate number of collisions at this time of year.
A lack of experience means they can less ably anticipate dangers that a driver with more experience would expect. They are also less likely to know how to handle those threats. On top of this, teens often make poor decisions through bravado or peer pressure.
The elderly
Quite when you should stop driving comes down to many factors, and it won’t be the same age for everyone. One thing is certain, though: everyone will reach a point where the reactions and decision-making slow down. For some, it will be a rapid and marked decline; for others, it may be more gradual. An elderly driver generally won’t be able to see as well as the average younger one, especially at night. They also won’t be able to apply as much force to the brake once their brain has processed the threat. On top of that, they are more likely to struggle to recover from any serious injuries they suffer.
Getting injured in a crash can play havoc with your life and finances, so seeking legal guidance to understand how best to prepare a claim is wise.
