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Senior Driving Tips From A Lafayette County, MO Auto Accident Lawyer

With age comes experience. Driving is no exception. Many older Americans are very safe drivers. But, driving can also be challenging for older adults. Physical constraints, such as difficulty turning one's head or vision changes, can affect driving ability and put older adults at an increased risk for Missouri car accidents.

Our Lafayette County, MO auto accident lawyers have compiled seven safety tips for older drivers:

1. Stay physically active.

Why are we giving you a health tip? Being physically active improves your strength and flexibility. It takes strength and flexibility to turn your steering wheel or to look over your shoulder to check your blind spots. You don't need to run marathons or lift weights, walking and stretching are great exercises for most people.

2. Get your vision and hearing checked and wear glasses or hearing aids if needed for driving.

Unfortunately, hearing and vision tend to decline with age. Impaired hearing may prevent your ability to hear emergency vehicles, warning honks or unusual engine noises. And, of course, impaired vision can lead to accidents. So, ask your doctor to schedule a hearing and vision exam.

Getting your hearing and vision checked is important, even if you think you don't have a problem. Many problems are easier to correct if caught early. And if you do have problems, wear your corrective lenses or hearing aid and consider a car with an easy to see instrument panel.

3. Follow your doctor's treatment plan for any chronic medical conditions.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, seizures or heart disease can impact driver safety. Work with your doctor to manage your condition. Take your medications as directed and let your doctor know if your condition changes or worsens.

4. Know your medications.

Nearly 70 percent of older drivers use a prescription that affects driving ability. This puts everyone at risk for a Missouri medicated driver accident. Read your medication labels and ask your pharmacist if they are safe to use while driving. If you are concerned about a medication's side effects or unsure if it is safe to use while driving, consult your doctor.

5. Make adjustments for your physical limitations

Have you noticed that your hand hurts while holding the steering wheel or that it is hard to turn your neck? An occupational therapist may be able to suggest ways to make driving more comfortable. For example, a steering wheel cover could make holding and turning the wheel more comfortable.

6. Avoid driving when conditions aren't optimal.

Bad weather, night time, rush hour... these conditions make it more difficult to drive. If possible, try to do your driving in the daytime and in good weather. Plan your trips to avoid rush-hour traffic and never drive if you have been drinking, are tired or are feeling unwell.

Know your route and use a GPS when travelling on unfamiliar streets.

7. Update your driving skills with a refresher course.

Many community organizations offer refresher courses for older drivers. These courses allow you to update your driving skills. You may even earn a discount on your car insurance policy. To find a course near you call the AARP Driver Safety Program at 1-800-281-7777.

Finally, know when to stop driving. If you find yourself confused while at the wheel, running red lights or stop signs, drifting into the wrong lane, or having frequent near-accidents, it may be time to find other transportation alternatives. Persons over 65 who are involved in traffic accidents are more likely to be seriously hurt, more likely to require hospitalization, and more likely to die than younger people involved in the same crash.

The Lafayette County, MO auto accident lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys represent victims of car accidents throughout Missouri. If you have been injured in a Lafayette County car crash and need help getting an insurance settlement, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 1-888-348-2616. The initial consultation is free and there is no fee unless we get you results.

Learn more about protecting your Missouri accident claim; download our free guide: "10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim."

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• Why are research and statistics that look at gender differences among drivers important? If I am hurt in an Independence, MO car accident, do the research and statistics matter?

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