Wrong-Way Crash Injures Five
Five people were injured in a Tampa car accident involving an elderly driver who was traveling the wrong way. According to a WTSP news report, the wrong-way car crash occurred on Memorial Highway near SB I-275 in Tampa. Officials say the elderly woman was disoriented behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla when she drove north in the southbound lanes of the highway. She collided with a Ford Explorer carrying four occupants. All suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to an area hospital.
According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau, Florida has the fifth oldest population in the country with 18.6 percent of local residents over the age of 65. While it is unclear what role age had on this particular accident, elderly driving is an important topic for discussion here in Florida.
There are many perfectly capable and experienced drivers over the age of 65 in Florida. However, it is a fact that advancing age brings impairments that can affect driving ability. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), drivers age 70 and older have higher crash rates per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers. This is partially why Florida drivers 80 years of age and older must renew their license every six years instead of every eight years, but it is unclear if that is enough regulation to make much of an impact.
As we age, we often require medications to help us cope with our changing physical condition. Some of these medications make it unsafe to drive. In such cases, doctors must make it clear to the driver and the driver’;s family that there are risks involved. In fact, families play a key role in assessing driving ability and determining when a loved one should begin limiting when and where he or she drives.
If an elderly driver has injured you, make sure you learn about your rights and options. Support may be available for your significant losses. Please contact a Florida car accident attorney for more information.
