Accident Prevention for Older Drivers
The Idaho State Police reported a tragic fatal accident that took place on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at around 7 p.m. The fatal crash occurred southbound on U.S. 93. Andrew Johnston, who is 56 years old, was killed when his Ford F-250 drifted onto the shoulder of the road and overturned. Johnson, who had not been wearing a seatbelt, was found dead at the scene of the accident.
The accident highlights another risk factor drivers face when they take to the road. According to the CDC, in 2009, there were 33 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older. While many older drivers have the experience and the caution to safely negotiate highways and roads in the U.S., older drivers sometimes face unique challenges when they take to the road. As drivers age, the risk of being injured or killed in a motor accident actually increases. 500 older adults are injured every day as a result of car accidents.
Driving allows older Americans the ability to maintain mobility and lead independent lifestyles.
Fortunately, there are ways older adults can be safe when they drive.
First, before deciding to drive, make sure you discuss your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications can make you drowsy and some even come with warnings against operating motor vehicles or heavy machinery.
Next, it is important to ensure that your eyeglass prescription is up to date. Our eyes change as we age, and making sure you have your yearly checkup can be the difference between a safe trip to the grocery store and a deadly one.
Having your route properly mapped out before you hit the road can also prevent you from being distracted by trying to read a map while driving.
Finally, carpooling can be a great and gas-efficient way to allow you to stay mobile and social at the same time. Older adults who have friends who cannot drive can also mutually benefit from riding with other individuals.
Finally, some general tips apply to all drivers before they hit the road. If everyone observed these basic safety considerations, our roads would be much safer. For instance, when you are driving, it is also a good idea to leave a larger distance between yourself and the cars in front of you. It is also important to minimize distractions while driving. Avoid cell phone use, texting, or listening to the radio if you find that it takes away your attention from the road.
If you’ve been careful and have followed the CDC’s guidelines for proper road safety and yet still find yourself injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering. The Law Office of Johnson & Lundgreen is a team of personal injury and accident attorneys in Nampa and Boise, Idaho. Contact us today to learn about how you can seek justice. No one should suffer in silence. The law affords you key protections when other drivers fail to observe responsible driving strategies.
