Fuller and Fuller

When should I stop driving?

If you are lucky enough to live to a ripe old age, there comes a time in everyone’s life when it is time to stop driving. Let’s put it in perspective: even 85 year old drivers have fewer accidents than teens. On the other hand, many seniors don’t stop driving when they should. The average man outlives his ability to drive by six years and the average woman by ten years.

No one wants to be a hazard to others on the road, so assess yourself realistically for these danger signs:

  • VISION: Do you have trouble reading signs and seeing the lane lines? Do you find it harder to drive at night or with the glare of oncoming headlights?
  • MOVEMENT: Are you finding it difficult to look over your shoulder to safely change lanes? Can you move your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal quickly?
  • REACTION TIME: Do you find that gaps in traffic are harder to judge? Does keeping track of all the signs, signals, road markings, and traffic sometimes feel overwhelming? Do other drivers sometimes honk their horn at you? Do you feel subjectively that your reaction time is slower?
  • MEDICATION: Many medications, especially if you are taking multiple medications, can make you sleepy or less alert on the roadway.

One of the reasons that seniors want to keep driving is that many areas have less than satisfactory alternative transportation. Check out these resources in your area: senior services transportation vans, buses, car pools, Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Even if some of these services seem expensive on a per-trip basis, they are probably cheaper than owning a car with all the associated expenses of insurance, gasoline, and maintenance.

We at Fuller & Fuller, Accident and Injury Attorneys, have been road safety advocates for over 45 years. Call us if you need us.

Fuller and Fuller Accident and Injury Attorneys

1-800-570-4878
www.fullerlaw.com

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