Is Your Elderly Loved One Still Driving? 4 Safety Tips from a Longview Accident Lawyer

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]It is never easy for senior citizens to give up their driving privileges. This can be a demoralizing experience that forces the person to rely on public transit, friends, and family for transportation.

Unfortunately, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that older drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of injury accidents. In 2012, approximately 586 senior drivers were injured daily.

 

Although nobody should drive if they put other road users in danger, there are steps that senior citizens can take to stay alert and safe behind the wheel:

1. Stay active;
2. Schedule regular ear and eye tests;
3. Avoid driving at rush hour;
4. And treat your medical conditions accordingly.

If you were injured in a crash that you did not cause, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is a personal-injury attorney in Longview who can help you navigate the claims process.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about injury lawsuits in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.

Here are four safety tips that can help senior citizens stay safe behind the wheel:

1. Stay Active

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can have positive impacts on your energy levels, coordination, and flexibility – all of which have direct impacts on your driving ability. Flexibility is particularly important because it allows motorists to check their blind spots. As well, exercise boost brain function, which can help drivers respond to unexpected hazards and avoid precarious situations.

As Mayo Clinic explains, seniors do not need to spend hours in the gym to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Simply walking, stretching, and performing light strength training every day can be sufficient.

2. Schedule Regular Ear and Eye Tests

In order to drive defensively, motorists must be able to identify and avoid dangerous situations. This requires sharp vision and clear hearing, which can help you notice reckless drivers, animals in the road, ambulances, and other common hazards.

As such, it is essential that older drivers regularly test their hearing and vision. Wearing the appropriate glasses or hearing aid may be all it takes to stay safe behind the wheel.

3. Avoid Driving at Rush Hour

Driving at rush hour can be stressful, and more cars on the road mean a higher risk of crashing. Gridlock can also be dangerous if a senior citizen suffers a stroke or heart attack behind the wheel. As such, older drivers should avoid rush hour traffic whenever possible.

4. Treat Your Medical Conditions Accordingly

If you have health issues that could affect your driving, such as arthritis, glaucoma, or Parkinson’s disease, then it is critical that you manage them properly. Ask your doctor if it is safe to drive.

If you are taking a new medication, ask your physician and pharmacist if it will affect your driving abilities. Even if drowsiness is not a listed side effect, you should never get behind the wheel until you know how a new medication will affect your physical, visual, and cognitive abilities.

If you sustained injuries in a crash with a negligent or reckless driver, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a Longview accident lawyer who can handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]