Safety tips for elderly drivers.

Florida leads the country in older driver related deaths.  Here are just 2 examples of accidents caused by older drivers this year in Florida.   Near Tampa, 2 were killed and many hospitalized, when an 81 year old woman failed to yield the right of way to a tour bus, causing it to flip over and eject its' passengers.  In Fort Meyers, an 82 year old man was killed when he pulled out in front of a truck. 

Some of the most common accidents seniors are involved in are failing to yield the right of way and making unsafe left turns in busy intersections.  These crashes are often serious and involve several vehicles.

The good news is that getting older does not necessarily mean a person's driving days are over. Keeping physically fit, getting regular vision check ups and paying attention to your reflexes and mental status, can help older people drive safely longer, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Since 2004, Florida law requires drivers over 80 to pass a vision screening exam before they can renew their license.  As an accident attorney, I recommend vision screening more frequently than the required every 8 years. It has been found that many times an older person's 1^st realization that their eyesight has changed is when they have been in an accident.
Here are some other safe driving tips for senior drivers:   

• Plan your trip ahead of time and avoid heavy traffic.
• Follow the speed limit.
• Always buckle up.
• When you start a new medication, read the label and ask your doctor and pharmacist if it will effect your driving.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Do not drive distracted by eating, or using a cell phone.
• Take frequent rest stops.

However, despite all the above self regulating measures, the crash rate per mile driven begins to increase at age 65.

For more information:

I am 75.  How can I tell if it is time for me to give up my car keys?

Are older drivers more dangerous drivers?