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Seeing the Signs: Unsafe Senior Drivers

It is estimated that by 2030, 1 out of 5 drivers in the United States will be a senior citizen or aged 65 years old and above.

Today alone, there is a noticeable increase in the number of motor vehicle crashes where elderly drivers are involved.

Most recently, in El Cajon, a 66-year old man was killed while eating in Carl’s Jr. when the SUV driven by a 74-year old driver crashed into the establishment.

Witnesses have said that the SUV, a silver Honda CRV was going at a speed of 45 to 50 mph and failed to apply brakes before it slammed against the restaurant.

The driver was injured but refused medical attention. The police are currently investigating the accident but apparently, there was no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved.

The possibility of a medical emergency prior to the crash has not been determined as well.

Unlike teen drivers who are risky drivers because of their lack of experience and the recklessness caused by immaturity, elderly drivers can just be as dangerous because of their impaired driving abilities (deterioration of vision, reflexes) and fragility.

If you have a family member who is a senior citizen or are a senior citizen yourself, here are some signs to consider in determining whether you or your family member is an unsafe driver:

 

  •  Driving too slow or too fast
  •  Late braking
  •  Being easily distracted or having a hard time concentrating while driving
  •  While driving, experience certain feelings of discomfort, fear, anxiety and nervousness
  •  Marks, dents, scrapes on the car, fences, mailbox, garage doors, curbs, etc
  •  Unconsciously drifting across lane markers or into other lanes
  •  Having difficulty in turning your head to check over your shoulder when backing or changing lanes

 

At the onset of the signs, it would be best to undergo driver refresher classes or have your or the elderly driver’s skills assessed at your local DMV office.

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