Many people tend to stereotype numerous other groups as innately bad drivers. Some people focus on members of one sex, while others make jokes about people who belong to certain racial groups as being inherently bad drivers. However, when looking at collision statistics, it is age, rather than other personal characteristics, that tends to have the strongest association with increased collision risk. Two groups often face stigma because people assume they are innately bad drivers.
Elderly adults who are well into their retirement years and teen drivers often have to deal with people judging them as bad drivers. In some cases, others may rush to the conclusion that they are the ones that fought for a crash that another driver may have caused.
Are older drivers or younger drivers most likely to cause crashes?
Both groups have elevated crash risk
When looking at collision statistics, the youngest and oldest drivers do tend to have the most risk of causing a wreck. For example, statistics clearly show that drivers over the age of 70 have significantly increased risk of causing crashes when compared with those who are middle-aged.
Factors including cognitive decline, vision issues and physical challenges can contribute to their driving difficulties. Older adults can also be particularly vulnerable to injury when crashes occur due to factors including decreased bone density.
That being said, collisions statistics make it abundantly clear that new drivers are the most dangerous. 16 and 17-year-olds are more likely than people of any other age group to cause major collisions. Simple lack of experience is one of the top contributing factors to their likelihood of causing a wreck. Additionally, difficulty contemplating the long-term consequences of snap second judgments in traffic can also impact the performance of teenage drivers on the road.
Motorists in Florida usually do not have any way to avoid crossing paths with either new drivers or drivers who are well into their retirement years. However, they can be extra cautious if they notice a seemingly young and inexperienced driver or a particularly old driver near them in traffic.
Regardless of age, those who cause motor vehicle collisions are typically responsible for the losses they create for others. Seeking compensation from negligent drivers – teens, older adults and otherwise –can help victims pay for vehicle repair expenses, medical costs and lost wages after a wreck.