Is it Worse to get into an Auto Accident in an Older Car?

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Is there a correlation between the age of a vehicle and the amount of damages that occur in an auto accident? According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, older vehicles are less safe than new cars, and drivers or passengers face an increased risk of more severe personal injuries in an auto accident.

If a car is eighteen or more years old, the driver and passengers are 71 percent more likely to have fatal personal injuries than a car that is three years old or newer. The risk for a vehicle of 8 to 11 years old drops down to only 19 percent, and only 10 percent for cars that is semi-new, between 0 to 3 year old vehicles.

NHTSA’s study had numerous variables – driver age, blood alcohol content, time of day, and other examples. One of the biggest factors that affected the rates was seat-belt usage. As we know, wearing a seat-belt can protect us from more serious personal injuries in an auto accident. Even in a new vehicle, failing to buckle up removes all “new car” benefits you reap. The odds of a death occurring from lack of a seat-belt in an older vehicle start at 78 percent and only drop to 72 percent when driving a newer vehicle. Regardless of age of vehicle, a seat-belt can always save a life.

Not only are older cars becoming an increasing issue on the road, but older drivers can possibly pose a risk when behind the wheel as well. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who are 70 and older have higher crash rates per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers. Despite their growing population, older drivers have been limiting their driving, whether it is driving less miles per trip or avoiding night and inclement weather driving.

No matter the age of vehicle or driver, safety should always be the number one priority. Personal injuries can affect your life tremendously, which is why you deserve attorneys who understand how these injuries have impacted you. Our Rhode Island and Massachusetts personal injury attorneys are here to work for personal injury victims – not the insurance companies.

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At the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, we handle car accident personal injury every day. Honesty. Integrity. Results. Our experienced legal team is here to fight for your rights. Contact us in any method you prefer 24/7 for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call: 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form.