As New York’s population ages, concerns about road safety for elderly drivers become increasingly significant. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 7,700 senior drivers aged 65 and older who were killed in car accidents nationwide in 2019, and about 264,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries.
8 Important Safety Tips
Here are some of the ways in which senior drivers can stay safe on the road.
1. Get regular vision and hearing check-ups:
Aging can affect vision and hearing, both of which are essential for safe driving. Elderly drivers should schedule regular appointments with their eye doctors and audiologists to ensure that any changes in vision or hearing are detected early and addressed appropriately.
2. Stay active:
Physical fitness is crucial for maintaining driving skills. As we get older, it is advisable to engage in regular exercise to improve strength, flexibility, and reaction time. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or tai chi can help keep older adults fit and mobile.
3. Know your limitations:
Aging can bring about physical and cognitive changes that may impact driving ability. It is important for elderly drivers to be aware of any limitations they may have and to adjust their driving habits accordingly. For example, if night driving becomes challenging due to decreased vision, it would be a good idea to limit driving to daylight hours.
4. Drive a safe vehicle:
Ensure that the vehicle being driven is well-maintained and equipped with safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Consider investing in a vehicle with advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking.
5. Avoid distractions:
Distracted driving is dangerous for drivers of all ages, but it can be especially risky for elderly drivers who may have slower reaction times. It is important to avoid all types of distractions while driving including texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while behind the wheel.
6. Plan ahead:
Before embarking on a trip, elderly drivers should plan their route in advance and familiarize themselves with the road conditions and potential hazards along the way. Consider using GPS navigation systems or smartphone apps to help navigate unfamiliar areas safely.
7. Take refresher courses:
Many communities offer driver safety courses specifically designed for older adults. These courses provide valuable information on defensive driving techniques, traffic laws, and updated driving regulations. Encourage elderly drivers to participate in these courses to brush up on their skills and stay informed about changes in traffic laws. The American Association for Retired Persons or AARP also offers these courses.
8. Be mindful of medications:
Certain medications can affect driving ability by causing drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination. Elderly drivers should be aware of the potential side effects of their medications and consult with their healthcare providers if they have any concerns about their ability to drive safely.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Injured victims of negligent (careless) drivers can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families that have lost loved ones in car accidents can seek compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical and funeral costs, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (careless) driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 52 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. We recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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