According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2016 there were over 42 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older. Unlike younger drivers, senior drivers are more likely to wear seatbelts, obey traffic laws, and less likely to drink and drive. However, drivers over 65 have the highest crash death rate per driven mile.
Americans are living longer and the AAA estimates that seniors are living 7-10 years longer than their ability to drive safely. While many drivers over 65 recognize their limitations and change their driving habits to compensate, accidents do still occur.
The State of Illinois has implemented special requirements and regulations for drivers over 65 to help identify those senior drivers who put themselves and others at risk. Current regulations for Illinois include:
- Drivers aged 21-80 will be required to renew their license every four years
- License renewal for drivers age 75 and older must be done in person and retesting will include vision, written, and road tests
- Drivers aged 81-86 must renew ever two years with retesting
- Drivers over 87 years old must renew annually with retesting
Illinois law will only allow information on potentially unsafe drivers to be submitted by a police officer, but the law also mandates that physicians encourage drivers over 65 to disclose to the Illinois Secretary of State of any medical conditions that could affect their ability to safely drive within 10 days of a medical diagnosis. These drivers will then be required to complete a Medical Report Form with every subsequent license renewal.
If drivers over 65 believe that their personal freedom and independence are being violated by stricter drivers licensing restrictions, they may decide to continue driving when physically unable. This not only places their own lives at risk, but also puts the general public at risk for possible injury or death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to drivers over 65, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire our personal injury lawyers – only the opportunity to seek justice.
