5 Ways to Avoid a Crash with an Elderly Driver in Wellington

When we think of car accidents, most of us imagine high speeds, dark nights, and pouring rain. We tend to forget that accidents can happen during the middle of the afternoon, often on a residential street in our neighborhood-and with an unusual cause.

Elderly drivers are at particular risk for daytime accidents. While senior drivers may avoid freeways because they fear high speeds, they are often the cause of accidents on city streets. Unfortunately, because of their advanced age, seniors are not only more likely to cause a Wellington car accident, but they are also more likely to be killed as a result.

So how can you reduce the risk of a Wellington accident with a senior driver?

1. Start with your family. If your parent or grandparent is showing signs of decreased driving ability, take initiative. Make sure they have a medical screening, including vision and reaction tests, before letting them back out on the road. Remember: good driving will protect others on the road, but also ensure your loved one’s safety.
2. Offer a ride. Many people with elderly parents are afraid to have a conversation with them about their driving. You will eventually need to intervene, but may be able to ease them into taking them off the road by offering to drive. As an added bonus, they will enjoy spending time with you.
3. Take care at intersections. City streets may seem safer than highways, but many elderly drivers in Florida have particular trouble at intersections. Leave extra following distance behind seniors, especially when turning.
4. Know your limits. If you are a driver over the age of 65 and you are cleared to drive, you can reduce the chances of an accident by being aware of dangerous conditions. If you feel unsafe driving at night, during rainy conditions or on speeding highways, don’t do it. Find an alternate form of transportation, such as a bus, train, or relative.
5. Call the police. If you see any driver exhibiting poor judgment-sudden braking, weaving between lanes, or “close calls”-report them to the authorities immediately.

As trusted Wellington car accident attorneys, we know that safety is every driver’s responsibility. Any unfit driver, regardless of age, should be taken off the road before they cause any further harm. If someone in your family was injured as a result of a senior driver, call Fetterman & Associates today.