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!

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