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Older vehicles are raising crash risk for teens, seniors

On Behalf of | Sep 16, 2020 | Car Accident

In August 2020, the journal Traffic Injury Prevention published the results of a large-scale study showing how teens and adults 65 and older are raising their car crash risk more than ever by driving older, smaller vehicles. If you owned an older vehicle and had a crash in Wisconsin, then you may understand how this can be.

Older vehicles lack safety features

First, older vehicles lack the features that compose what are called advanced driver-assistance systems. Besides that, they can lack electronic stability control, which keeps them under control when traveling on sharp curves and slippery roads, and side and curtain airbags, which protect occupants in the event of a side-impact collision.

This can be especially problematic when one considers how teens and adults 65 and older actually run the highest risk for an accident of any age group. Not only that, but the latter also see the highest rate of crash-related fatalities.

Income can be a determining factor

The study found that all age groups in lower-income neighborhoods were more likely to own older, unsafe vehicles. In fact, lower-income teens drive vehicles that are, on average, twice as old as those driven by higher-income teens. Researchers encourage prioritizing safety and point out that many safe vehicles are for sale at a reasonable price, some for less than $7,000.

Seeking compensation for your injuries

Auto accidents can end in serious injuries, especially for those who were in an older vehicle. You may have even been disabled to some degree. Under law, you can be eligible for compensation, which could cover past and future medical expenses, past and future lost income and pain and suffering, but filing a claim to seek this compensation can be hard. An attorney may be able to provide assistance, though.