The older a vehicle is, the more likely it is not to contain safety features like electronic stability control and side and curtain airbags. Researchers have performed a study on who tends to own older vehicles, and they came to certain conclusions that California drivers may find intriguing.
Older cars among teens and adults 65 and older
Newly licensed teen drivers and adults aged 65 and older, who happen to be the two age groups with the highest car crash risk, were found to be more likely than middle-aged drivers are to own older vehicles. The effect this can have on their crash risk is easy to see. Seniors already see the highest rate of crash-related fatalities.
The safety features mentioned above could certainly do a lot to counteract this. Electronic stability control helps drivers as they navigate sharp turns and travel on slippery roads while side and curtain airbags can mitigate the severity of a side-impact collision.
Income influences the trend
Researchers found that all age groups were more likely to own an older vehicle if they came from a lower-income neighborhood. Older drivers from higher-income neighborhoods were 35% likelier to own vehicles with side airbags, and among higher-income teens, it was 53% likelier. Still, researchers say that everyone should prioritize safety and find the safest vehicle possible within their budget.
Legal help if you suffered a crash injury
Owners of older vehicles can suffer more in car accidents, even if they were not at fault, but the good thing is that they could still pursue a claim against the responsible driver. If your case is successful, you could be compensated for your medical bills both past and future, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional trauma. A lawyer may help you file your claim and negotiate a settlement.
