Featured News 2015 Older Drivers and Safe Driving

Older Drivers and Safe Driving

One key point that can't be overlooked is that experience makes for better drivers. Considering that older drivers can have 50, 60, or more years of driving experience under their belts, it's understandable why many of them are capable of driving safely.

Because an older driver has a lifetime of valuable driving experience, the decision to take a person's ability to drive should never be based on age alone. However, changes in vision, cognitive ability, and reaction time can pose definite safety concerns.

Older drivers should be cautious of these changes, and adjust their driving habits so they can protect their own safety and the public's, or they should find alternative modes of transportation.

Questions for Older Drivers

Here are some questions proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for older drivers:

  • Do you have problems seeing street or highway signs?
  • Do you have trouble seeing curbs, medians, pedestrians, and other vehicles?
  • Do you have trouble looking over your shoulder to change lanes?
  • Have you fallen down once or more in the last year?
  • Are you unable to raise your arms above your shoulders?
  • Are you on medications that make you sleepy?
  • Do you feel overwhelmed when you're driving?
  • Do you often get lost or feel confused?

It's important to be aware of your physical limitations while driving. If your friends or family have expressed concern about you driving, or if your doctor has advised you to restrict or stop driving, then it may be time to listen to what they have to say.

It's best to discuss your driving with your doctor, this way he or she can evaluate you and see if you are on any medications that may be impairing your ability to drive safely.

If you have been in a collision that was not your fault, look through our directory to find an experience car accident attorney who can help you!

Related News:

Truck Accident Injuries Up 18% According to NHTSA

Truck accident injuries are more common than you'd expect. About 104,000 people were injured in truck crashes in the year 2012, which shows that there was an 18 percent increase from injuries in ...
Read More »

How Do Emotions Affect Driving Abilities

When most people think of dangerous distractions while driving, texting and alcohol most likely come to mind first. Yet, what is less likely thought of and is still a viable threat is the danger of ...
Read More »

Can a Self-Driving Car be Liable in an Accident?

When thinking of the Jetson's lovable robot Rosie, did you ever doubt her personhood? Rosie was always a part of the Jetson family and acted as more of a surrogate mother than a machine. Would you ...
Read More »