Being told they can no longer drive is often the worst kind of news for many older adults. However, it's usually for their own good because age can impair certain functions required to drive safely, such as motor skills, vision, alertness, and reflexes.
Here are a few reasons an elderly person may be at risk of getting into a car accident.
1. Slower Reflexes
Being on the road requires you to have an extremely quick reaction time. Quick reflexes will allow you to react quickly, giving you a better chance to avoid getting in a collision. Sadly, some senior citizens may not be able to react fast enough to avoid an accident because their reflexes may be impaired.
2. Failure to Notice Traffic Signs, Signals, and Other Vehicles
An elderly driver with a vision problem may fail to notice a traffic sign or danger by other motorists, increasing their chances of being in a car crash.
3. Age-Related Medication
Many older adults take medications for age-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or cancer. Unfortunately, some of these medications may cause drowsiness. Drowsy driving significantly increases the likelihood of getting in a collision.
4. Difficulty in Judging Distances Between Other Vehicles
Spatial awareness is a vital tool for any driver. It allows the driver to correctly judge the distance between them and other road users when parking, turning or stopping at a red light. Unfortunately, some older adults have poor spatial awareness. This puts them at a high risk of getting in an accident.
5. Difficulty in Seeing Over the Dashboard and Steer Properly
As people age, their vertebrae can become weak, and their backs may be hunched. A hunched back may limit an older adult's ability to see over the dashboard, limiting their ability to drive safely.
Signs That Might Show Someone's Age Is Unsafe for Driving
It isn't always immediately obvious when an older adult begins to have trouble driving safely. However, if you start to notice any of the following signs, it may be time for the senior adult to stop driving.
- Getting lost on familiar routes
- Difficulty reading road signs or hearing honks and emergency sirens
- Receiving traffic tickets
- Unusual aggression
- Trouble holding a lane
If your parent or elderly friend has exhibited any of these signs, it may be best to arrange alternative transportation for them.
What to Do if Your Elderly Loved One Gets Hurt In a Car Accident
Has your elderly loved one been involved in an accident caused by someone else's negligence? They deserve to be compensated for their injuries and damages. Contact the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Call (314) 361-4242.
Here are a few reasons an elderly person may be at risk of getting into a car accident.
1. Slower Reflexes
Being on the road requires you to have an extremely quick reaction time. Quick reflexes will allow you to react quickly, giving you a better chance to avoid getting in a collision. Sadly, some senior citizens may not be able to react fast enough to avoid an accident because their reflexes may be impaired.
2. Failure to Notice Traffic Signs, Signals, and Other Vehicles
An elderly driver with a vision problem may fail to notice a traffic sign or danger by other motorists, increasing their chances of being in a car crash.
3. Age-Related Medication
Many older adults take medications for age-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or cancer. Unfortunately, some of these medications may cause drowsiness. Drowsy driving significantly increases the likelihood of getting in a collision.
4. Difficulty in Judging Distances Between Other Vehicles
Spatial awareness is a vital tool for any driver. It allows the driver to correctly judge the distance between them and other road users when parking, turning or stopping at a red light. Unfortunately, some older adults have poor spatial awareness. This puts them at a high risk of getting in an accident.
5. Difficulty in Seeing Over the Dashboard and Steer Properly
As people age, their vertebrae can become weak, and their backs may be hunched. A hunched back may limit an older adult's ability to see over the dashboard, limiting their ability to drive safely.
Signs That Might Show Someone's Age Is Unsafe for Driving
It isn't always immediately obvious when an older adult begins to have trouble driving safely. However, if you start to notice any of the following signs, it may be time for the senior adult to stop driving.
- Getting lost on familiar routes
- Difficulty reading road signs or hearing honks and emergency sirens
- Receiving traffic tickets
- Unusual aggression
- Trouble holding a lane
If your parent or elderly friend has exhibited any of these signs, it may be best to arrange alternative transportation for them.
What to Do if Your Elderly Loved One Gets Hurt In a Car Accident
Has your elderly loved one been involved in an accident caused by someone else's negligence? They deserve to be compensated for their injuries and damages. Contact the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Call (314) 361-4242.