Preventing Elderly Driver Crashes In Central Florida

Don’t wait until it’s too late. That’s the message from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety when it comes to having a safety talk with elderly drivers.

New research by AAA shows nearly 83 percent of older drivers say they have never spoken to their family or doctor about their ability to drive safely. AAA notes that elderly drivers – those age 65 and older – are more susceptible to injury or death in an accident because of their frailty.

Elderly driver accident risk

In 2016, auto accidents injured more than 200,000 elderly drivers and killed more than 3,500.

Research also shows seniors outlive their ability to drive safely by seven to 10 years, so AAA recommends planning their “driving retirement” early.

“The best time to initiate a discussion with a loved one about staying mobile without a set of car keys is before you suspect there is a problem,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research.

“Planning for personal mobility and independence should be done working shoulder to shoulder with the older driver. Talking sooner, rather than later, can help set mutual expectations and reduce safety issues or emotional reactions down the line.” To assist, AAA offers advice with its Driver Planning Agreement.

Further complicating the situation is the psychological importance of keeping older drivers on the road as long as safely possible. AAA research has shown that older people who stop driving are almost twice as likely to suffer from depression and nearly five times as likely to enter a long-term care facility.

Unfortunately, “driver retirement” is often ignored until after an accident that causes damage, injuries or, even worse, fatalities.

What you can do after a crash

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an older driver, bills likely are piling up while you are unable to work. At worst, your family has suffered the loss of a loved one. An insurance

company will try to take advantage of your desperation by pressuring you into accepting a financial settlement that falls short of what you need or legally deserve.

If the accident was caused by an older driver, the case is even more complex. Can you prove the driver should not have been behind the wheel? Were they suffering from health issues or taking medication that impaired their ability to drive? Were they driving despite a record of causing accidents?

Protect your rights by consulting with a personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, PA. We have more than 25 years of experience handling cases just like yours in Central Florida, serving Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Orange and Sumter counties. We will treat you with a blend of compassion and professionalism in pursuit of the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Take control of your life by contacting us for a free consultation.