What Older Drivers in New Jersey Should Know About Driving Laws
Individuals aged 65 and over are a key demographic in the United States, and their numbers are growing. According to the National Safety Council, there was a 29% increase in older adults, and car accident data seems to follow this upward trend. Older adults losing their lives in deadly automobile accidents has been going up, and over the last ten years, fatal car accidents with older adults have increased by 42%.
In New Jersey, 25% of residents are aged 55 and older, and like the rest of the country, the state expects this demographic to grow. Since the body diminishes in strength and capability with age, an aging population that continues to grow is likely to suffer more deaths from fatal car accidents.
If you were injured in a car accident in New Jersey, you may have questions about your rights and ability to recover compensation for your losses. The South Jersey car accident attorney at Monaco Law PC can examine your case and discuss what can be done to obtain the financial recompense you deserve.
Driving Laws in New Jersey and Older Drivers
For everyone’s safety, each state has its own guidelines, policies, and requirements for drivers once they reach a certain age. While New Jersey doesn’t have specific limits or restrictions for drivers based only on age, certain legal controls are in place.
Every driver in New Jersey, no matter how old they are, must renew their license every four years. For some drivers, a vision test could be a requirement to get a renewed license. If a driving test reveals a particular driver has a deficiency, then conditions may be placed on their driver’s license. For example, it is not uncommon for older drivers to be mandated to wear corrective contact lenses while driving if they have poor eyesight. Other conditions of driving for an older adult could include limiting driving privileges based on a person’s specific medical condition.
Sometimes, even with the requirement for a driver to have some type of assistive aid while driving, they may still be an unsafe driver. Families, judges, or law enforcement that have information on a driver who is believed to be unsafe can report the driver and have an investigation into their driving abilities launched. If an investigation uncovers that a driver is easily confused or has dementia, for instance, this would be considered a serious safety concern.
Additionally, only a few states mandate that medical professionals who have determined a patient has certain disorders like seizures must report the issue and the individual to the Motor Vehicle Commission. New Jersey is one of these states that has this requirement.
Individuals who are medically unqualified to drive will have their license suspended. However, a suspended license could be reversed, and there could be a path for reinstatement.
Speak to a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were harmed in a car accident, call our experienced South Jersey personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC at (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our office in Pennsylvania to discuss your car accident case today.
We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Salem County, and all of South Jersey.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/older-drivers/
