How can I be sure my elderly mother is still capable of safe driving?

While older drivers often have conditions that put them at risk for causing an accident, they are not actually the highest-risk group of drivers. That honor goes to young men—teenage boys aged 16-19 have the highest rate of crashes of all age groups. So why do senior motorists have such a bad rap? It could be because their habits—driving slowly, missing turn-offs, keeping a turn signal on—are annoying to other drivers, even if they are not as dangerous as teens who exceed the speed limit while distracted, sleep-deprived, and sometimes even impaired. Still, if you are concerned about an older driver in your life, consider ways to keep her, and others on the road with her, safe.

How to Keep an Older Driver Safe

If you love an older driver, knowing how to increase the chances of staying safe behind the wheel are vital. Make sure you help her do the following:

• Visit the doctor regularly. Receiving physical exams from a doctor regularly can let you know if your loved one is still able to physically and mentally get behind the wheel in a safe manner. The doctor can also review the medications she is on and assess whether or not side effects could impair her driving abilities.
• Check vision often. Changes in an older person’s vision can affect how safely she can operate her vehicle. Unfortunately, declines in eyesight can happen quickly and unexpectedly, but when your loved one is monitored by an eye doctor, you can keep tabs on her vision.
• Exercise regularly. Moving and shaking not only helps your loved one stay healthy, but allows her to be strong and flexible enough to operate a vehicle safely and effectively.

When the Worst Happens

Even if you manage to ensure that your elderly loved one is safe behind the wheel, you and your family could be at risk from other older drivers who should not be driving. If you or someone you love is injured in an auto accident caused by the negligence or incompetence of another driver, attorney Steve Lee wants to help. We may be able to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to that can allow you to pay your medical bills and cover time missed from work. Contact us today through our online form or by calling 800-232-3711.