Most elderly drivers equate giving up their driver’s license to giving up their freedom to come and go as they please. But there are alternatives and older drivers and their loved ones need to make periodic, honest evaluations of an elderly drivers skills in order to reduce the risk of their involvement in a serious or fatal New York City car accident.
This week is dedicated to elder drivers and their safety all over the country. It’s important to point out that unlike most states New York has no restrictions on elderly drivers. Caregiving.com reports there is no age restraint or requirements in keeping your license renewed and it only has to be done every 8 years for successive renewals.
In November, there were two different accidents in New York made news on the same day and each involved elderly drivers. Neither accident had fatalities but both could have been tragic and did result in serious injuries to the victims.
There has been a downward trend in elderly traffic fatality rates over the last 10 years according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration going from a rate of over 20 per 100,000 in 1998 to a rate under 15 per 100,000 in 2008. In 2008, they found that most driver related fatalities in older drivers were male and alcohol was not usually involved.
There is a concern that as drivers get older their physical ability to drive and react to situations diminishes. As a result, mature drivers tend to change their behaviors, either consciously or unconsciously. In an article by USA Today they interview elderly drivers who change behaviors such as avoiding certain roadways, driving slower, or even decide to stay in when the weather is poor. Many drivers as they get older have health related issues that affect their ability to drive safely on the roads. In addition to physical inabilities like hearing and vision, they experience limb and joint immobility as well as memory loss.
Drivers who are aging may be able to use the following safety tips to maintain safety while they are driving:
-Adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel on a regular basis so that they best suit your needs while you are driving.
-Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
-Don’t drive if you are tired, hurt, or don’t feel well. There is always someone you can call to take you or come get you.
-Never multi-task when you are driving by eating, smoking, talking, adjusting your knobs, etc.
If an elderly family member or friend has been involved in a serious New York car accident, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose to speak to an accident lawyer. Call 718-261-0549.
