Texas residents who own an older vehicle may do so for a number of reasons, and one of them is most likely financial. However, it appears that certain age groups are more likely to drive older vehicles. According to one study, these groups are teens and people 65 years old and above.
What the study involved
The study was conducted by injury and prevention researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The data included all accidents that took place in New Jersey between 2010 and 2017. Finding out the VIN for each vehicle, the researchers determined what each vehicle’s type, model year and engine power were. They also checked to see if vehicles had features like electronic stability control and front, side and curtain airbags.
Electronic stability control can be especially effective in preventing crashes as it keeps a car under control when it’s navigating sharp curves and slippery roads. In fact, it’s considered to be as effective as seat belts in preventing fatalities.
Teens, older people in unsafe vehicles
Researchers found that teen drivers and drivers 65 and older tend to drive older vehicles: that is, vehicles that don’t come with electronic stability control or side airbags. This is bad news because crash risk reaches its highest level among these two age groups. Older drivers actually have the highest crash fatality rate.
What to do after an auto accident
You may have incurred a serious personal injury in a crash, and it’s clear that the other driver was to blame. In that case, you may file a claim against the driver’s insurance company in the effort to be reimbursed for your losses, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and vehicle repair costs. It might be beneficial to talk to a lawyer beforehand and hire him or her for negotiations.
