Nobody goes through the aging process unscathed. Physical and mental decline are natural as people grow old, and they can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day in 2012, nearly 586 elderly citizens sustained injuries in car wrecks.
Fortunately, there are steps that senior citizens can take to improve their driving:
- Stay active;
- Test hearing and eyesight regularly;
- Avoid peak traffic hours;
- And manage health concerns properly.
If you sustained injuries in a crash that another driver caused, contact the Truman Law Firm, P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a personal-injury lawyer in Las Vegas who can help you navigate the claims process and avoid mistakes, such as accepting a low settlement offer.
Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about injury lawsuits in Nevada by visiting www.USAttorneys.com.
Here are four tips that can help senior citizens drive safely:
- Stay Active
Enjoying an active lifestyle can improve your driving skills. Personal flexibility and strength requires regular exercise, and being healthy and fit will make it easier to check blind spots, respond to unexpected hazards, and turn the steering wheel.
Physical activity also enhances cognitive function, which will make you a more responsive, alert driver. Strength training, stretching and walking are excellent exercises for elderly citizens. According to Mayo Clinic, including physical activity in your daily routine is the best method for boosting fitness levels.
- Test Your Hearing and Eyesight Regularly
You must be able to hear and see clearly when driving, but these senses tend to wane with age. For this reason, it is important to schedule regular eye and ear tests. Having the correct glasses and hearing aids for driving can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Many people underestimate the importance of hearing while driving. However, this sense is crucial for noticing ambulances and communicating with other drivers.
Eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma, may interfere with night vision. Wearing the appropriate glasses for these conditions will make it easier to see road signs and unexpected dangers.
- Avoid Peak Traffic Hours
Driving at the safest possible times can reduce your risk of crashing. Also, handling congested traffic is frustrating and stressful, which can contribute to sudden health issues such as heart attacks or stroke. Only drive when conditions are favorable for you, and avoid traffic during rush hour and other busy times.
- Manage Your Health Concerns Properly
Some health issues make driving outright dangerous, such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. If you have health concerns, then create a plan with your doctor to keep them in check. Also, avoid medications that make driving unsafe.
If you were injured in a crash that another driver caused, contact the Truman Law Firm, P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a Las Vegas accident attorney who can talk to witnesses, gather evidence, and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free initial consultation.
