Do San Jose residents think older drivers are worse drivers?

There are certain groups of people who are viewed as worse drivers than the rest of us. Younger people, particularly teenagers, fall into this category. Traditionally this perception has been due to their limited experience operating automobiles, but in the last several years the use of cell phones and other distractions may have actually emerged as the more dangerous aspect of teenagers behind the wheel. Older people, especially senior citizens, are also viewed by many people to be a greater risk on the road. However, this is one category of drivers where the perception may not be reality.

According to a recent report, drivers on the road today who are over the age of 70 are less likely to be involved in a car accident. And, if they are involved in an accident, they are less likely to be killed in the crash or suffer serious injuries.

These findings are the result of a comprehensive study that was recently completed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Not only do these findings take the spotlight off of senior citizens as potentially dangerous drivers, but the data flies in the face of what researchers had speculated would happen as America's population aged - more accidents with more injuries for drivers and passengers.

No matter what a person's age, they should take every precaution to follow the rules of the road when they are behind the wheel. An auto accident can not only cause damage to the vehicles involved, but many involve serious injuries and even fatalities. Making sure that distractions aren't part of the drive can go a long way toward staying accident-free, whether the driver is young or old.

Source: Dallas News, "Car crash and fatality rates falling for 70-and-older drivers," Feb. 20, 2014