Roads are Full of Older Trucks and Cars

According to IHS Automotive, the average vehicle in the US is 11.5 years old. This is a record high since the firm began tracking the average age of US vehicles back in 2002. People are keeping their vehicles longer due to quality and reliability, and for financial reasons as well. New car sales dipped drastically during the recession. During the years 2008 and 2013, the average age of vehicles in the US increased rapidly.

So what does this mean for the average driver? While new cars today are equipped with all kinds of safety features, there are just as many old clunkers on the road that don’t have anything like that. Advanced safety features aren’t necessary for safe driving, but they certainly help. Something simple like  indicator lights on the side view mirrors that let a driver know when someone is in their blind spot have the potential to prevent a car accident. Experts do warn that all vehicles on the road should at least be equipped with electronic stability control and side curtain air bags, but these features were introduced about 10 years ago, meaning a great number of vehicles on the road don’t have those features.

Unfortunately, being hit by another vehicle is something that can occur at any time to anyone. Whether the other driver was texting, had been drinking, or was simply distracted, their actions can be life-changing for you. If you happen to drive an older car without advanced safety features, the accident can be even more devastating for you. If you have been injured in a car accident, and are in the San Antonio or Fort Worth areas, contact Kerry H. Collins & Associates P.C. to talk about your case.

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