Safe Driving Tips for Elderly Drivers
It is common for people to continue driving well into their older years. Driving helps older people to stay independent and mobile. It provides them with a sense of control. For some older adults, driving offers a sense of control over their lives. However, while many elderly drivers can drive safely well into their 80s or even beyond, the risk of car accidents increases with age. The CDC estimates that in 2020 alone, approximately 7,500 elderly drivers died in traffic collisions, and nearly 200,000 suffered crash injuries in the United States. Luckily, elderly drivers can take steps to stay safe on the road. Below, we discuss some of the most common causes of elderly driver accidents and some steps elderly drivers can take to stay safe on the road.
Common Causes of Elderly Driver Accidents
The following are some of the common causes of elderly driver accidents;
- Reduced vision and hearing: Changes in vision and hearing can make it hard for elderly motorists to see and respond to hazards on the road.
- Reduced physical mobility: Changes in physical mobility, such as reduced muscle strength and reduced flexibility, can make it difficult for an elderly driver to operate a vehicle effectively.
- Slower reaction times: Aging can lead to cognitive decline and slower processing speeds, affecting a driver’s ability to respond quickly to unexpected situations.
- Medication side effects: Older adults take medications for different age-related conditions. Some medications can cause side effects that impair driving, such as drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, and nausea.
- Medical conditions: Health conditions like dementia, arthritis, diabetes, and sleeping disorders can affect judgment and driving skills.
Safe Driving Tips for Elderly Drivers
The following are some safe driving tips that can help keep elderly drivers safe;
- Get regular check-ups: Schedule vision and hearing tests regularly. Schedule check-ups to monitor your overall health and cognitive function. A doctor can identify conditions or concerns that can impact your ability to drive safely. A doctor can help address these conditions or concerns.
- Limit driving in challenging conditions: Avoid driving in bad weather, such as during the rainy or winter season. Whenever possible, avoid driving at night. Driving in low-visibility conditions can be dangerous for older adults because of reduced vision.
- Be mindful of medications: After taking any medication, be cautious before getting behind the wheel. Be aware of the side effects of the medicines you are taking. A medical professional can help you understand how your medications can impact your ability to drive safely. Whenever possible, adjust your medication schedule to reduce potential risks.
- Choose simpler routes: If there is a simpler route to get to your destination, choose it, even if it is longer.
- Sign up for a refresher course: A refresher course can help you brush up on your driving skills.
Legal Help Is Available
You may be eligible to recover financial compensation if you are involved in a traffic collision because of another party’s negligence. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you with your legal claim.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Myers, Ocala, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Naples, Melbourne, Tampa, and Jacksonville areas.
Source:
cdc.gov/injury/features/older-driver-safety/index.html#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20about%207%2C500%20older%20adults%20were%20killed%20in%20traffic%20crashes%2C%20and%20almost%20200%2C000%20were%20treated%20in%20emergency%20departments%20for%20crash%20injuries.2%20This%20means%20that%20each%20day%2C%2020%20older%20
