Elderly drivers are considered to be anyone over the age of 65. Because of their age, older drivers often face issues with vision, cognition, and motor function.
Vision changes, such as problems seeing at night or cataracts, can make driving difficult. Cognition, which includes memory and the ability to resist distractions, is also important while driving. Medical conditions like dementia and some medications commonly taken by older drivers can affect cognition, which causes problems when driving. Motor function includes abilities such as muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. These are necessary for controlling a motor vehicle and turning to view traffic. Even before driving, motor functions are needed to enter the car safely and fasten the seat belt.
Diseases such as arthritis and a lack of flexibility can decrease an individual’s ability to drive safely and comfortably.
Older adult drivers
There has been an increase in older adult drivers over 70 years of age in the last decade. The National Library of Medicine has found that older drivers pose a serious risk to themselves when driving. They also pose a risk to their passengers who are also likely older adults. Because older adults are more vulnerable to serious injuries, they’re more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents.
Older driver statistics
As the life expectancy in the U.S. only gets better, more and more older drivers are on the road. There are 57.8 million people in the U.S. who are over the age of 65.
In South Carolina, 15.2% of the driving population is older than 70. There has been a 30% increase in people aged 65 or older since 2013. In 2022, these elderly drivers were responsible for 20% of all fatal car accidents. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 20 older adults are killed and 540 are injured daily in car crashes. Men also have higher crash and death rates than women.
When is an elderly driver unsafe behind the wheel?
Hitting age 65 does not mean that an older driver is suddenly unfit to drive. That is why it’s important to know the signs of an older driver becoming a hazard on the road. Signs include:
- Drifting into other lanes.
- Straddling lanes.
- Making sudden lane changes.
- Ignoring or missing stop signs and traffic signals.
- Braking, stopping abruptly, or accelerating without cause.
- Coasting to a near stop amid moving traffic.
- Pressing on the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time while driving.
- Difficulty seeing pedestrians, objects, and other vehicles.
- Increasing levels of anxiety while driving.
- Driving significantly slower than the posted speed limit or general speed of other vehicles.
- Backing up after missing an exit or turn.
- Difficulty reacting quickly and/or multi-tasking.
- Problems with back/neck flexibility and turning to see traffic/hazards around the car.
- Getting lost or confused easily, even in familiar places.
- Failing to use turn signals or keeping signals on without changing lanes.
- Increased “close calls.”
- Receipt of two or more traffic citations or warnings in the past two years.
- Dents and scrapes on their car or surrounding objects where they drive and park at home, such as fences, mailboxes, garage doors, and curbs.
How to address driving problems with an older driver
It can be hard to bring up the subject of an older driver being unfit to drive. Driving is often tied to a feeling of independence, and most elderly drivers don’t want to give that up. However, if an older driver shows signs that they’re a danger on the road, it’s best to talk to them immediately. Putting off this discussion could lead to a car accident. Luckily, there are some ways to bring up the subject without upsetting an older driver.
Driving Assessment
An elderly driver may be more comfortable with giving up driving if they take a driving assessment. These can be done at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If the elderly driver fails the driving test, it is time for them to give up their car keys.
Driver Safety Course
If the elderly driver insists on continuing to drive, enroll them in a mature driver safety course. These courses teach older drivers the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate a vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. Taking these courses also has the benefit of an auto insurance discount upon completion!
Reporting an Unsafe Driver
If an elderly driver refuses to stop driving and you fear for their safety and the safety of others, then you can visit your local DMV to report them. To report an unsafe driver, you need to provide the person’s name as shown on their driver’s license. You also need to know their date of birth, their driver’s license number (if possible), and their current address. You will be asked to give an explanation of why you believe the elderly person an unsafe driver. This should include any medical conditions they may have or incidents they’ve had on the road.
Your Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney: The Law Offices of David L. Hood – Advocating for Car Accident Victims in South Carolina
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in South Carolina, the dedicated legal team at The Law Offices of David L. Hood, along with our co-counsel, is here to guide you through the process with professionalism.
With years of experience, we have assisted numerous individuals in navigating the legal complexities that arise after serious accidents. We are committed to gathering all necessary information and building a strong case to secure a fair settlement or, if necessary, take the matter to court.
Our team has extensive experience representing a wide range of clients, including car accident victims throughout South Carolina. Driven by a passion to help, we offer a free initial consultation where we provide honest legal advice on your available options. Should you choose to work with us, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we secure a recovery in your case.
Reach out to us online or call (843) 491-6025 to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation with David L. Hood today.
