Older Driver Safety Awareness Week - Is it time for that difficult talk? Local accident attorney urges you to!

December is a time to celebrate family, friends, and those we love-making it a perfect time to discuss "Older Driver Safety" during holiday get-togethers. 

Not only will the number of senior drivers increase by 70% over the next 20 year, but drivers over age 65 have the second highest crash rate, behind teens, according to the National Safety Commission (NSC).  As the baby-boomer generation ages, the NSC estimates we may see an additional 100,000 deaths from 2010 to 2028.

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, from December 6 to 10, urges adult children to discuss senior driving safety with parents and senior friends.

According to a 2008 study by NSC and caring.com, adult children prefer discussing funeral plans over senior driving safety.  Talking about driving ability with a parent can be uncomfortable, but vital. As a local accident attorney, I urge you to have this difficult conversation with your loved one; it just may save their life.

The NSC suggests these tips to talk about "Older Driver Safety:"

• Go for an open-minded drive with the senior to observe their habits and abilities.
• Is the driver reluctant or timid?
• Does the driver have slow reaction time?
• Is the driver aware of their environment?
• Regularly check the driver's vehicle for signs of damage cause by reduced driving ability.
• Talk with friends or neighbors about the driver's ability.

You may be your parent's best driving resource. Talk with your senior loved one about driving. Check out these links for more discussion points and ways to assess older driving ability.

For more information:

Safety tips for elder drivers

How can I tell if it is time for me to give up my car keys?

Are older drivers more dangerous?