In many cases, elderly citizens will attempt to maintain their independence by choosing to continue driving their vehicles. In the United States, there are nearly 45 million drivers who are over the age of 65 according to the CDC. This number represents a 63% increase since 1999. While it may help older adults stay independent, the chances of an accident or injury increase with age. In 2017, there were almost 7,700 adults aged 65 years or older who were killed in traffic accidents. More than 257,000 had injuries that were treated at hospitals. Drivers who are 75 years of age or older have higher crash rates than middle-aged drivers. Decreased visual acuity, decreased motor skills, and a decline in cognitive function are typically the causes of most crashes.
The Villages-News reports that the Florida Highway Patrol has released information in a chain-reaction crash near Oakland Hills.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at about 1:14 p.m. on U.S. Highway 27/441 in Sumter County.
An 83-year-old male from Summerfield was driving an SUV when he suffered a sudden medical episode, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
His vehicle then struck a car that was being driven by a 48-year-old female that had been stopped in traffic. The impact forced her vehicle into the rear of another SUV that was being driven by a 79-year-old woman. She and an 81-year-old passenger were not injured.
The initial driver who had the medical episode and the woman she rear-ended only suffered from minor injuries.
A new policy enacted by the Florida Highway Patrol prevented those involved in the crash from being identified.