New York Personal Injury Lawyer Offers Safe Driving Tips for Elderly Drivers

 For many seniors driving is viewed as more than just a routine act. It is seen as a statement of independence. Driving is a privilege many seniors are unwilling to relinquish because they do not want to give up the autonomy it affords. But, it is important to understand that as drivers age, they do lose some of the skills and abilities that made them good drivers. As a person gets older, reaction time slows and sight and hearing tend to diminish. These functions are critical for safe driving – whether it’s a trip to the grocery store around the corner or driving longer distances on highways.
A person whose driving skills have been affected and/or reduced can be a danger to themselves and others on the roadway. As drivers age it is important for them to realize that their ability to continue driving can change as well. In order to be a safe driver they need to be willing to listen to the concerns of their family and friends and take the necessary steps, even if it means handing over the keys.

Tips for Safer Driving
As personal injury attorneys in New York City, we encounter a variety of accident cases, some of them involving elderly drivers. Here are some ways in which senior drivers can recognize and address any issues they may have:
• Slower reaction time: If you are finding that your reaction time is slowing, avoid traveling on congested roadways or during peak traffic hours. If you are nervous or uncomfortable about making a left turn, make three right turns instead.
• Muscle degeneration: Driving requires strength and flexibility. So, staying healthy by stretching and exercising can keep you on the road a lot longer. If you have trouble turning your neck, have a friend or mechanic install wider rearview mirrors.
• Memory issues: We often see older drivers get into accidents because their cognitive functions degenerate. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to consider brain-training programs such as DriveSharp, which you can take online. These types of programs have been proven to help older drivers cut their crash risk by up to 50 percent.
• Problem with vision: Eyesight is crucial when it comes to driving. Senior drivers should get their vision tested annually. It’s always a good idea to avoid driving at night, if possible.
• Medication: If you are taking prescription medication, do talk to your doctor about potential side effects. Do not drive after taking medication that can make you drowsy.
• Hearing: Loss of hearing is one of the most common effects of aging. Driving can be a problem if you have hearing issues. If you have an issue with hearing, consider hearing aids, medications or corrective surgery.
Compensation for Injured Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, 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. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a man 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.
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 cases in 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.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: reuters.com