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Elderly Drivers on the Rise

A motorcyclist has been killed after a crash with an SUV on Highway 90 on Saturday night.  The Sugar Land Police Department reports that an SUV travelling westbound on Highway 90 turned left across the eastbound lanes near Alkire Lake, The vehicle had crossed in front of another car and a motorcycle. The car was able to brake to avoid colliding with the SUV; however, the motorcyclist was unable to stop, according to police. The motorcyclist broadsided the SUV, causing the motorcycle to roll. According to police investigators, an 18-year-old male who was riding the motorcycle was taken by Lifeflight to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston and was in critical condition. The motorcyclist later died as a result of his injuries. Sugar Land Police states that an elderly couple was in the SUV at the time of the crash. However, they suffered no injuries in the accident. Police said that no charges are expected to be filed. Automobile accidents that involve elderly drivers are becoming more common in the United States. This trend is expected to reach even higher numbers because many adults who were born into the Baby Boom generation are reaching retirement age. Studies have shown that your risk of an accident increases steadily after the age of 75. Drivers over the age of 75 are the most dangerous on the road; the risk that elderly drivers pose is even greater than that of new teenage drivers. Every year, more than 5,000 drivers over the age of 65 are killed in car accidents on the nation’s roads. Approximately 1 in 6 fatal accidents nationwide involve an elderly driver. According to further findings in a recent study, nearly another quarter of a million or 200,000 are injured in accidents involving drivers over the age of 65. Because of the Baby Boomers now reaching retirement age in ever-increasing numbers, older drivers on the road has increased by a figure of 20 percent. Most people want to maintain their own independence well into their retirement years. This is an admirable thing. However, it may not always be practical or safe in certain instances. Elderly drivers can sometimes be a danger not only to themselves but to other drivers and pedestrians whom they have to share the road with. It is a medical fact that as a person ages, certain motor skills and cognitive abilities decrease. Some of these are very important to be able to perform when you are behind the wheel. Elderly drivers often suffer from impaired eyesight and cannot judge distances adequately, or cannot hear important things such as sirens or horns of other drivers. They can also often be spotted driving slower than is necessary on streets and other roadways. Sometimes, elderly drivers are afraid to drive faster, or will avoid freeway driving. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by an elderly driver, give our offices a call. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, ongoing rehabilitative care and pain and suffering. Your initial consultation with one of our experienced lawyers is without cost or obligation to you.

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