Rhode Island Named One of the Most Dangerous States for Older Drivers

A new research study put together by Caring.com indicated that Rhode Island is the most dangerous state in the country for drivers aged 65 and above.

In order to determine this research, the study looked at the number of individuals aged 65 and older who lost their lives in car accidents and compared that with the age groups percentage of the population in each state. In 2014 alone, seniors were involved in 35% of fatal traffic accidents according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, they were only 16% of the state’s population.

Older individuals may have more difficulty after an accident than younger victims because the elderly may struggle to recover fully. A car accident can significantly impact an elderly individual’s mobility, but that’s just one example of how a car accident can make things difficult for a victim. It’s often harder for older individuals to heal, meaning that the elderly face serious risks in accidents.

This means they were 19% more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than they should have been. The study also identified that other dangerous states included Maine, New York, Idaho and Minnesota. New Mexico was determined to be the safest place for older drivers. It’s important to be aware of the risks when you’re getting on the road at any age. Car accidents can happen at any time and to anyone.

If you have already been involved in an accident in Rhode Island as a result of someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, you may have recourse to file a personal injury lawsuit. Consulting with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help you identify the key legal issues and help you determine your next steps. Reach out to an experienced Rhode Island car accident attorney today to learn more.