Safe Driving Tips for Senior Citizens

In general, senior citizens as a group are safe drivers when compared to others. Most obey the speed limit, wear seat belts and avoid drinking and driving.

But this age group is especially vulnerable to death or injury in car accidents due to age-related conditions. Fragile bones, heart disease and diabetes can make it more difficult to recover from crash-related injuries.

As we age, it may become difficult to operate a motor vehicle safely due to physical challenges. But older drivers can limit the chance of an accident on the road with these tips:

· Acknowledge your limitations and that you may need assistive devices and exercises. Select vehicles with extra safety features.

· Vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma can make driving difficult, especially at night, and a hearing impairment can make it hard to detect driving clues. Have your vision and hearing tested each year.

· Keeping physically active can assist with strength, flexibility and reflexes. Ask your doctor if you can add stretching, walking and strengthening exercises to your daily routine.

· Prepare for each trip by monitoring weather and road conditions. Drive only when traffic is minimal and in daylight hours.

· Avoid distractions while driving. Don’t use your mobile phone even with a hands-free device. Set up your GPS device before beginning your trip. Save eating and drinking for driving breaks.

· Understand how any medical condition or medication side effects can affect your driving ability. Read labels carefully especially antihistamines and muscle relaxants for any driver cautions. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on driving ability.

· Take a defensive driving course. You can learn at any age! You may even qualify for a car insurance discount.

If you or an older family member becomes confused behind the wheel, or if you have any concern about his or her driving ability, it may be time to stop driving. Seek alternatives to getting where you want to go such as a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation.

We Can Help If You Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a defective product, car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation at our locations in New York County, Rockland County and Westchester County. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.