Older Adults Face Increased Car Accident Risks
For older adults, driving is often key to maintaining their independence. Unfortunately, as people age, general declines in health make operating a motor vehicle more dangerous. Car accidents involving older adults are common and can leave them, as well as others involved, suffering serious personal injuries. To protect yourself and the people you loved, it is important to be aware of these risks.
Several Injured Due To Car Accident In Bradenton Involving Elderly Driver
An elderly driver is responsible for a car accident in Bradenton recently that left several people nearby suffering serious personal injuries. According to a September 9, 2020 Fox 13 News report, the accident happened just before 2:00 p.m. near U.S. 41 and Bayshore Gardens Parkway.
Witnesses report seeing a driver in a Toyota veering out of control towards a Bank of America and began warning people to get out of the way. The 90-year-old man struck the building at full force and ended up crashing more than 75 feet inside. Police report that numerous people were injured, with some listed as being in critical condition. Considering it was mid-day and there were numerous customers in the bank, many more would likely have been injured if bystanders had not acted fast in sounding the alarm. Investigations are still trying to determine what happened and whether the man had a medical episode or got his foot caught on the accelerator.
Unfortunately, these types of car accidents involving older adults are not uncommon. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that age-related declines in physical health and cognitive functions can increase the risks. These include:
- Reduced vision;
- Stiff muscles and joints;
- Memory lapses;
- Slower reaction times and reflexes.
Various medications older adults take for illnesses and chronic health conditions can also impair their driving abilities, making crashes and collisions more likely to happen.
Knowing When It Is Time For Older Adults To Limit Their Driving
While years of experience behind the wheel offers some protection for older drivers, age-related declines are unavoidable. Unfortunately, these increase the risk of causing injuries to yourself or others. Whether you are an older adult driver or a family member of someone who is, it is important to know when circumstances warrant limiting the amount of time spent on the road. According to Everyday Health, common warning signs include:
- You become easily confused by traffic signals;
- You find yourself running red lights or stopping at green;
- You have problems seeing lanes or other vehicles;
- You frequently forget where you are going;
- You have had close encounters, in which you have almost hit other vehicles;
- You have had fender benders or sideswiped someone in traffic or while navigating parking lots.
Let Us Help You Today
When car accidents impact you or someone you love, the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely helps you get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. Call or contact our Bradenton car accident attorney online and request a consultation today.
Resource:
fox13news.com/news/several-injured-after-elderly-drivers-car-crashes-through-bradenton-bank
https://www.lavelylaw.com/concussion-awareness-and-car-accident-risks/
