Seniors are often thought of as bad drivers, as caricatures with coke bottle glasses focused two inches below the dashboard. But, in reality, seniors are one-third as likely to cause wrecks as young adults under age 24, which is the most reckless age group of drivers. Why do people tend to think otherwise?
The human body deteriorates with age. Seniors develop arthritis, weakened vision and slower reflexes. However, this generalized statement does not apply to all seniors. And, in fact, even seniors who suffer from these conditions are now living longer, healthier lives thanks to modern medicine. 
A combination of longer lifespans and technological advances is continuously working to make driving easier, safer and more comfortable for seniors. Features like push to start ignitions and rearview cameras make it easier for seniors with fragile bones to operate cars with ease. Indicators that notify the driver of lane drifting can assist seniors with diminishing eyesight. However, even with these advances, seniors remain at a higher risk for injury in the event of an accident simply because their bodies are more brittle than those of their younger counterparts.
Does this stuff really do that much to help? You bet! Between the years 1997 and 2010, the number of licensed seniors increased by 26 percent; however, the number of seniors involved in fatal collisions declined by over 30 percent. With more senior drivers getting into fewer wrecks, it might be time that people stop thinking of them as road hazards and start giving them more credit for their display of safe driving behaviors.
Are you a senior driver? What modern car feature has helped you drive safer and more comfortably?
Get the coverage you need to stay road safe. Call Blake Elliott Insurance Agency Inc at 209-928-3471 for more information on auto insurance.