Fred C Church

The aging workforce and effects on older employees may increase the importance of business auto insurance.

Older workers may be at higher risk when performing a number of physical tasks because they commonly have slower reaction times, weaker muscles and less range of motion. Driving can be particularly risky, however, since issues like less effective night vision and suffering more from glare also impact these employees, BLR notes.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal work-related crashes once they reach the age of 55, and the odds increase as they get older after that point. It becomes more difficult for people to react effectively and quickly to road hazards, increasing their risk. Conditions like arthritis and side effects from some medication may also contribute to this tendency.

BLR suggests older drivers may benefit from driving safety courses, giving them preferential assignment to daylight driving and ensuring they know of any medication side-effects which may influence their abilities. Having auto coverage as part of a firm's business insurance policy may provide needed assistance to both the company and the worker in the event of a crash.