Senior Drivers: When Should Your Elderly Family Member Stop Driving?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

In 2014, there were 46.2 million Americans who were 65 years or older, and this number is projected to rise. With an influx of older drivers on the road, many are concerned about a potential increase in car accidents. According to the American Automobile Association, drivers over the age of 65 are twice as likely as their middle-aged counterparts to die in a car accident.

What you Should Look out for

Unfortunately, many senior drivers do not wish to give up driving because it gives them a sense of independence. If you have elderly family members who drives, you should look for these signs that suggest they are having difficulty in operating a vehicle:

• Scratches or dents on the car. It is unlikely that your grandparents or aging parents will tell you if they often get into minor accidents like striking the mailbox or bumping into buildings with their vehicles. These minor accidents may occur because your family members are confused, forgetful, or disoriented while driving. These incidents could also be the effect of their deteriorating vision.
• Frequent tickets. Check to see if your aging relatives are the recipients of frequent driving tickets or warnings. Unless they were always ticketed, it could be a sign that their driving performance is becoming worse.

The best way to find out if your aging family members are having trouble on the road is to go on a few car rides and observe them.

Safety Tips for Aging Drivers

Whether or not you believe your elderly family members should stop driving, there are a few ways you can help them be safe when they are on the road:

1. Encourage them to take a refresher driver’s course. A driver-improvement course can provide them with the opportunity to learn about effective driver safety tips geared toward their age demographic.
2. Make sure their vehicle is appropriate for their physical and mental needs. If need be, make sure your family members vehicles’ have safety and comfort features such as ample legroom and a specifically positioned airbag and steering wheel.
3. Research the impact their medications can have on their driving performance. If your aging family member is on medication, look at how their driving may be affected. It should be noted on the prescription bottle whether or not it is recommended to drive while taking the medication. If you have family members who are taking medications that could impair their driving, it may be time for them to give up their keys.
4. Get them checked. Have a doctor evaluate their vision, memory, and reflexes. Ask their doctor if they would recommend that they stop driving.

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney

When an elderly parent is involved in a car accident, it can be frightening. Even if the family member is unharmed after the accident, vehicle damage costs can cause significant financial stress. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash, contact one of our dedicated Lake County personal injury attorneys at Salvi & Maher, LLP to discuss your legal options in recovering medical and property damage costs that resulted from the auto accident.

Sources:

https://aoa.acl.gov/Aging_Statistics/Index.aspx

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/10/08/162392507/when-should-seniors-hang-up-the-car-keys

https://www.aaafoundation.org/drivers-over-65-almost-twice-likely-middle-aged-drivers-die-car-crashes-according-aaa-foundation?button=SeniorInjury

http://seniordriving.aaa.com/maintain-mobility-independence/car-buying-maintenance-assistive-accessories/smartfeatures/

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-05-2010/Warning_Signs_Stopping.html