Health and safety analysts predict that as the elderly population in America expands there will be an increase of senior-related motor vehicle accidents, endangering both senior citizens themselves and the general population. Statistically speaking, drivers aged to 75 to 84 have the same accident fatality rate as teenage drivers who are normally considered to be the highest risk group. Drivers over the age of 84 are 4 times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than high-risk teens.

Statistics are generalizations and every individually ages differently, but older drivers are also more likely than any other age group to receive minor traffic citations for infractions such as running stop signs and are more likely to get into multiple car collisions than those younger than themselves. Clearly the physical declines of aging such as the decrease in reaction time, and compromised hearing and seeing capacities seriously hamper the safety of older drivers, and can make them negligent in an accident.

Driving limitations are a sensitive issue for most seniors and the loss of independence being unable to drive signifies may cause them to refuse to recognize their limitations. Hearing loss and reduced visual acuity are issues that develop slowly as are mounting forgetfulness and the side effects of over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Senior drivers can take steps to prevent automotive accidents by reducing the risks to driving caused by normal aging. Annual vision checkups and glasses with current prescriptions can help reduce risk a tremendously as can regularly cleaning the windshields, mirrors and headlights of their car.

Wearing prescribed hearing aids whenever driving and having once hearing checked annually can help reduce the risks the accidents caused by hearing loss, while those with limited mobility and slower reaction times can contact a driving rehabilitation specialist or occupational therapist to prescribe the appropriate equipment for their vehicle's foot pedals and steering wheels.

Seniors should check with their doctors to make sure all prescribed or recommended medications do not hamper their mobility, their cognitive functioning or cause drowsiness and those seniors inclined to being sleepy should discuss their fatigue with their physician and avoid driving when tired.

Elderly drivers can take steps to reduced risks beyond regular medical checkups. Selecting comfortable vehicles with power brakes, power steering and automatic transmission and keeping all cars well maintained makes driving easier and less stressful. Adapting ones speed to a slower pace and keeping more distance between cars in front helps compensate for increased reaction times. Distractions like cell phones, drinking are eating or changing the radio station should be completely avoided as should any situations older drivers find uncomfortable such as driving at night, in bad weather or on highways.

Senior citizens involved in a car accident should protect themselves and their rights by contacting an accident attorney experienced and seasoned and senior driver accident claims.