If you are a senior driver, be sure to practice safe driving habits and stay aware of your limitations. By following these simple tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Senior Drivers – The Statistics
As people age, their physical abilities decline. This is especially true for their vision and cognitive abilities. For this reason, many states have laws in place that restrict the hours that a senior can drive.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as of 2016, there were 36 million licensed drivers over the age of 65 in the United States. Out of these drivers, 24% had been in at least one crash within the past three years. This is compared to only 14% of drivers aged 16-24.
There are a number of reasons for this discrepancy. First, seniors are more likely to have health conditions that affect their driving ability. Second, they may have difficulty seeing or processing information quickly. Finally, they may be more likely to take risks when driving.
All of these factors can lead to serious accidents. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that seniors are involved in 20% of all fatal crashes.
Are Driving Laws Different for Seniors?
If you are a senior citizen, it is important to be aware of these statistics. You should also know your state’s laws regarding driving hours. Be sure to obey the restrictions, and don’t drive if you feel unsafe or unwell. By doing so, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Helping Seniors Stay Safe on the Road
The percentage of drivers over the age of 65 is increasing as the Baby Boomer population ages. As a result, there is an increased focus on how to make senior drivers safe on the road. Here are some suggestions:
Know Your Limits
There are many things that seniors can do to stay safe behind the wheel. One key is to be aware of your limitations and take steps to compensate for them. If you have difficulty seeing or hearing, make sure to adjust your driving habits accordingly. You may also want to consider using adaptive equipment, such as a magnifying glass or hearing aid, to help you stay safe while driving.
Take Care of Your Car
Another important step is to keep your car in good condition. Make sure all of your lights are working properly and that your brakes are functioning correctly. If your car is starting to show its age, consider getting it serviced. A well-maintained car is less likely to malfunction while you’re driving.
Obey the Rules of the Road
Stay within the speed limit, use your turn signals, and don’t drive when you’re tired or distracted. Following these simple tips can help keep you safe on the road and reduce your risk of a car accident.
If an Accident Occurs
If you are a senior driver, following the above tips can help you avoid car accidents and stay safe on the road. However, if an accident does occur, knowing what to do can help minimize the damage.
If you are in a car accident, remain calm and try to assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call for help immediately. If the vehicle is safe to drive, move it off of the road if possible. Otherwise, stay in the car until help arrives.
Once you have assessed the situation, exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Make sure to get their names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a car accident. They will need to know what happened and may ask for copies of the police report and other documentation related to the accident.
Contact the New Jersey injury attorneys at Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy after an accident with a senior driver. Our 70 years of experience allows us to guide you through the legal process with ease so you can earn the rightful compensation you are due!
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