Owners of Older, Unsafe Cars: Teens, Adults 65 and Older

Tennessee residents may own older vehicles because they cannot afford anything else. While this is understandable, there is actually a trend in which teen drivers and drivers 65 and older are more likely than middle-aged individuals to own older vehicles. This is dangerous because older vehicles come with fewer safety features, and teens and those 65 and older run the highest risk for a crash among any other age group.

What a Recent Study Says About This Trend

Previous studies have shown that teens tend to drive older, smaller cars, but researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have conducted the first large-scale study on this trend. They looked at all the crashes that occurred between 2010 and 2017 in neighboring New Jersey and, using each vehicle’s VIN, found out the model year of each vehicle and whether it had safety features like electronic stability control (ESC) and side airbags.

Researchers have stated that ESC is crucial for any vehicle because it helps drivers maintain control when navigating sharp curves or roads that are wet or icy. Unfortunately, many teens and older drivers own cars without this feature.

Comparing Low- and High-Income Neighborhoods

Regardless of their age, drivers in lower-income neighborhoods own older cars. High-income teens are 53% likelier to own cars with side airbags, and high-income adults 65 and older are 35% likelier to drive vehicles with these safety features.

Seeking Compensation Regardless of Income

The fact is that you suffered a personal injury, and the other side is at fault. Income levels do not matter when it comes to determining negligence, but a vehicle’s age may determine how much you can recover in vehicle repair or replacement costs. To navigate all the complexities of filing a personal injury claim, you may want a lawyer by your side. An attorney may tackle all the negotiations for an out-of-court settlement.