- Car Accidents
Traffic accident attorneys serving the state of Georgia understand that while older drivers have years of experience behind the wheel, they often also undergo mental and physical changes that interfere with their ability to drive safely. You may discover that many Georgia car accidents are caused by elderly drivers when you speak to a traffic accident lawyer from our law firm. The good news is that there are several things older drivers can do to prevent accidents on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 47.8 million Americans (about 15 percent of the U.S. population 65 or older) were killed in car accidents in 2012. However, 6,165 of those deaths were caused by the elderly (18%). The population of seniors aged 65 and over in the United States increased by 29 percent between 2006 and 2015. Additionally, the number of fatalities caused by car accidents in this population increased by 3% between 2006 and 2015.
Georgia Car Accident Attorneys Discourage Driving at Night:
In addition to the risks of driving at night for anyone, drivers over 65 are particularly vulnerable because many older people already suffer from vision issues, which will make driving more challenging in the darkness. Seniors are urged to avoid driving at night if they are having vision problems.
It is advised that elderly people needing to be somewhere at night ask a friend or family member to drive them. A Georgia personal injury attorney from our firm can assist in recovering any damages you may have suffered when a driver hit you at night or when they were not supposed to be on the road.
Eliminate All Distractions:
Taking your attention away from the road for even a moment can cause you to crash into another vehicle. People of all ages can be distracted while driving which can lead to Georgia car accidents. They can talk to a friend or have a snack while driving. Older drivers need to remove all distractions and focus completely on the road.
If you are hit by a distracted driver, our traffic accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Raise the Driver’s Seat:
If they have difficulty seeing the road, they may want to use a small cushion on their seat to help them see. As we age, some people start losing headroom. If they are concerned, they should raise the driver’s seat so that they can look over the dashboard.
Use a GPS to Drive on Non-Familiar Roads:
Driving on unknown roads requires the use of a GPS. That way, senior drivers will not have to read a map and will not be distracted by their surroundings.
Don’t Drive When Stressed or Tired:
It would be risky to drive while you are not in your best condition. Be sure to avoid driving if you haven’t gotten enough sleep. If you are stressed, you should wait until you are feeling calm before driving.
Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course:
It is always a good idea for seniors to refresh their driving skills by taking a defensive driving course. A defensive driving course can teach seniors new and updated state traffic laws, crash prevention techniques, and the dangers of driving fatigued. The elderly who attend this course are less susceptible to being the victim of a crash or cause one.
Take Regular Hearing and Visual Examinations:
As we age, we often see and hear less clearly. This is why regular hearing and vision examinations are beneficial for older drivers to ensure that their hearing and listening are not impaired. If a driver did not pull over when they should have, a Georgia auto accident lawyer can help you sue them for damages. Older people may need glasses or hearing aids while driving. At some point, they may not be physically able to drive.
Check Your Medications:
Medication labels may contain warnings that some medications can affect seniors’ ability to operate heavy machinery, such as vehicles. They should check their labels before driving so they know whether their medications will affect their ability to drive.
Call Our Georgia Accident Lawyers:
It will be in your best interest to speak with a Georgia car accident lawyer if you have been injured in a car accident. A traffic accident lawyer from our firm can ensure your rights are protected as well as get you the compensation you are entitled to. Our team of traffic accident lawyers in Georgia offers a free consultation to individuals seeking legal assistance.
