Some safety analysts argue that there are two types of drivers that are the most dangerous ones out on the road; teens and the elderly. Data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that older drivers are more apt to become involved in either injury-involved or fatal car crashes than their younger counterparts. There are some concerning driving behaviors that the elderly employ that cause them to become involved in these crashes.
NHTSA data warns children or caregivers of the elderly to consider talking to their elderly loved one about stopping driving if they start operating their vehicle in an unsafe way.
If your loved one tends to straddle or drift into other lanes or suddenly change the one that they were in, then this puts them at risk of either being hit or striking someone else. If this type of behavior seems to be a regular occurrence, then you may want to recommend that your elderly loved one turn over their keys.
It’s also a dangerous sign if your elderly loved one starts nearly missing people or objects such as pedestrians or other cars. It’s equally concerning if they start missing stop signs or red lights as either one of these can result in them getting struck.
Your elderly relative should seem alert and confident behind the wheel of their car. If your loved one starts acting anxious before driving, then this should raise concern. If your elderly relative seems to have slowed reaction times or acts confused in familiar areas, then this may be a sign that they’re not fit enough to operate a vehicle.
Many accidents that elderly individuals become involved in or cause themselves happen because they brake at inappropriate times, fail to notice and respond too slowly to different stimuli or engage in other reckless behaviors.
Taking your elderly relative’s keys away and depriving them of the independence is bound not to go well. It could save their and someone else’s life though. An attorney can advise you of your right to pursue compensation if you’ve been struck by an elderly motorist here in Spokane or anywhere else in Washington state.