Elderly Drivers: Florida’s Regulations and Your Rights
According to a recent report from WPTV, a 77-year-old driver in Gulfstream, Palm Beach County, crossed the center line and injured a group of cyclists in a perplexing accident. The incident unfolded around 6 a.m. on North Ocean Boulevard, right in front of the Gulf Stream Golf Club. When the elderly driver veered across the center line, a collision occurred with a group of eight cyclists. Subsequently, she lost control of her vehicle, which veered onto the unpaved shoulder of the road. Six cyclists and the driver were transported to Delray Medical Center, with three cyclists as trauma alerts. Police are still investigating the cause of the accident and whether charges will be filed. They confirmed the cyclists were all luckily wearing helmets, and all riding abreast with one another.
Despite the reluctance to discuss it, age can become a factor in driving safety. Though it’s uncertain if age played a role in this incident, Florida has safeguards for elderly drivers. While drivers under 80 renew their licenses every eight years, those 80 and older renew every six. However, the reality is that age-related challenges can affect a senior’s ability to drive safely, making caution crucial on Florida’s roads, given our high senior population.
Florida’s Regulation of Driving by Seniors
Florida implements measures to ensure elderly drivers operate vehicles safely. Drivers aged 80 and older renew their licenses every six years, reflecting awareness of potential age-related changes affecting driving abilities. Yet, those who’ve witnessed a relative’s gradual decline due to dementia or other illnesses understand the importance of recognizing when seniors become unfit to drive. This issue underscores the need for caution on Florida roads, where seniors form a significant portion of the population.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our seasoned personal injury attorneys boast over 200 years of combined legal practice. We specialize in representing victims of motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, and other personal injury scenarios in Florida. With experience in cases involving seniors unfit for driving, we provide comprehensive representation. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. today at 877-694-6079 or contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation.