Pascoe Law Firm
Car Accidents with Elderly Drivers
Principal office located in Friendswood, Texas.
Available to service League City, Webster, Pearland, Galveston, and the surrounding areas within Texas.
Car Accidents with Elderly Drivers
Risk Factors for Older Drivers
– Delayed response time
– Declining hearing and vision
– Cognitive impairment
– Joint stiffness and difficulty moving
– Driving too slowly
– Ignores traffic signals or signs
– Gets lost on familiar routes
– Get increasingly nervous or agitated while driving
– Gets drowsy often while driving
– Inability to stay in their lane of travel
– Have had many more “near-misses” than usual
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one it is imperative that you get an exam to determine if you are still fit to drive an automobile.
Medical Conditions Impacting the Elderly’s Driving Ability
Reducing Senior Driving Accidents
Even though senior motorists are susceptible to physical and cognitive issues that may affect their driving ability, they can be safe drivers. Older drivers tend to use their seat belts more, are less likely to drive under the influence and are often more cautious when driving in poor conditions. The CDC recommends the following tips to increase senior driving safety and to reduce the chance of an accident.
- Check medications- To be safe while driving, discuss medication side effects with a doctor or pharmacist that may affect driving.
- Annual exams- Have hearing and vision tests annually as well as physical exams to ensure that senses are adequate for driving.
- Extra precautions- Plan driving routes, leave extra space between vehicles and limit driving during poor visibility conditions. These safe driving habits can help reduce the risk of accidents.
Even with precautions, senior drivers, like all drivers, can and do cause accidents every day. Due to higher risk, senior drivers should consider carrying higher liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage to cover them financially if they cause an accident. For those who are injured by a negligent a senior driver, having an experienced auto injury attorney on their side can help ensure that they get the compensation they deserve, including medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses.
Pascoe Law Firm
Friendswood, TX 77546
Phone: 713-829-4317
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Wrong Vehicle Type for the Elderly
- Is the car too big or too small? Can the driver smoothly steer the car around turns? Can the driver see over the steering wheel while driving? The driver’s physical stature should be considered when choosing a car. Visibility can be reduced, creating unsafe blind spots for senior drivers. A way to overcome these obstacles is to pick out a car that is lower to the ground and has a minimum number of blind spots.
- Does the car offer appropriate space for drivers with disabilities/physical impairments? Older people who have had hip or knee replacements need special consideration. Those surgeries may require extra room for maneuverability in a vehicle. If a driver is uncomfortable in the car, it may cause distractions while driving.
Did an Elderly Driver Cause a Texas Auto Accident Where you Were Injured?
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