Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
The Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up to promote safe driving among seniors in an effort to reduce the risk of Chicago car accidents to aging drivers.
A state proclamation declared March 21 to 31 as Senior Driving Awareness Weeks.Our Chicago car accident attorneys have discussed here before the risks facing senior drivers. The dangers of an older driver being involved in a car accident rise steadily after retirement. Those over the age of 75 face higher risks than any drivers on the road, including teenagers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 5,000 seniors are killed in traffic crashes each year and more than 180,000 are injured.
In 2008, 163 seniors were involved in fatal Illinois traffic accidents. The issue is expected to become increasingly critical as the baby boomer generation retires.
“IDOT is dedicated to traffic safety in Illinois and encourages all seniors to take advantage of the refresher courses made available statewide,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “Through the use of strategic partnerships, effective programs and motorist compliance to state law, Illinois has experienced record lows in roadway fatalities and an all-time high in statewide safety belt usage rate. We strongly support the importance of Senior Driving Awareness Weeks and look forward to its success in promoting senior safety.”
The partnership includes Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s Office and theIllinois Department of Aging, as well as the AARP. The agencies aim to improve training and review of older drivers in an effort to prevent traffic accidents.
“We want senior drivers to maintain their mobility and independence while continuing a lifetime of safe driving,” said Secretary White. “Last year my office provided free Rules of the Road classes at 320 locations throughout the state. The Super Seniors Program, combines Rules of the Road instruction, a vision screening and a driver safety component, providing seniors with the knowledge needed to obtain or renew a driver’s license. This program, allows seniors to brush up on their driving knowledge in an effort to help them continue driving safely.”
There are more than 3.5 million licensed drivers in Illinois over the age of 50.
Click here to review a Rules of the Road class schedule.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the Illinois personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free case evaluations to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.