Senior drivers make up an ever-growing portion of the population. Thanks to medical advances and changes in technology, seniors are able to maintain their independence well into their golden years. However, they are often at heightened risk of car accidents, which is backed up by crash statistics in many states. It’s important to understand how car accidents affect senior drivers and how we can reduce accident rates among this vulnerable population.
Have you been injured in a Huntsville car accident? The team at Hodges Trial Lawyers is here to help. Call us at 256-826-4129 to set up a consultation with our team right away.
Challenges Faced by Senior Drivers
Aging drivers face a unique array of challenges that other drivers don’t often have to think about. These challenges affect how they drive and the risks they take. They include:
- Physical limitations: Aging drivers often experience reduced flexibility and range of motion due to arthritis and natural physical decline. This decrease in mobility can make it harder for drivers to respond to obstacles or changes in road conditions.
- Eyesight challenges: Part of aging is a natural decline in eyesight. When aging drivers have the proper glasses or contacts, this isn’t a serious issue; however, since eyesight declines slowly, drivers may not realize how bad their eyesight is until it causes an accident.
- Cognitive challenges: While this can be difficult for elderly drivers to admit, cognitive declines are common at this stage of life. Outcomes are even more severe for those with dementia or similar conditions. Even those with mild cognitive impairments may see marked changes in their driving.
- Risk of more serious injuries: Decreases in bone density and other age-related changes can put senior drivers at greater risk of severe injuries in a crash.
Protections for Senior Drivers
There are numerous supports and programs in place to help senior drivers maintain their independence while still avoiding collisions. Although Alabama does not have stricter licensing requirements in place for aging drivers, many states do. These states require that older drivers renew their licenses in person and undergo vision testing and other examinations to prove that they are safe to drive. While this can be an inconvenience for drivers, it is an easy way to identify when a driver is no longer able to operate independently.
Alternative transportation options are also an excellent option for seniors who worry that they can no longer drive but do not want to give up their independence. Public transit options are available in some larger metropolitan areas, and a growing number of seniors are learning to use rideshare services and other programs to get from point A to point B.
Vehicle safety features also make it much easier for drivers to avoid injury while behind the wheel. Lane departure warning systems, automatic emergency braking, and the adaptive cruise control can all make it easier for senior drivers to operate in a safe and predictable manner. As vehicle technology continues to advance, these options will only improve outcomes.
Effects of Accidents on Senior Drivers
Senior drivers in Huntsville may suffer a wide range of negative outcomes after car accidents. Physical injuries are common, and as noted, seniors are more likely to have longer recovery periods and permanent limitations. Accidents can also leave drivers with emotional trauma, particularly if they subsequently lose their licenses and are unable to drive.
They may struggle with their loss of independence and their sudden reliance upon others. Finally, accidents can cause serious financial strain for senior drivers. Seniors often live on fixed incomes, and even the deductible for a vehicle repair may be too much for them to handle on their own. It may require them to drain their savings or drive an unsafe vehicle until they have enough money to repair it.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Hodges Trial Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Let the team at Hodges Trial Lawyers help you explore your options. Give us a call at 256-826-4129 or contact us online to set up a consultation. We’ll help you navigate this challenging time.
