Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers: Elderly Risk of Injuries

As Americans are living longer and healthier lives, there are more older drivers on the roads today than in previous years. In 2015, there were over 40 million senior drivers in the United States. Studies show that elderly drivers tend to make more responsible choices than young drivers, including staying off the roads during inclement weather, avoiding drunk driving, and wearing seatbelts. However, they are also more likely to be injured or killed if they are involved in a car accident. Fortunately, there are preventative measures older drivers can take to stay safe when behind the wheel.

Various factors contribute to the higher injury and fatality rates in elderly drivers, including the fact that their bodies tend to be more fragile. They are also more likely to have other medical conditions that could make an injury from a car accident that much more life-threatening. Studies show that men are more likely to die from car accident injuries than women. Age-related factors like a decline in vision, physical limitations, and cognitive functioning also increase elderly drivers’ risk of injuries. The incidence of fatal crashes typically begins to increase between the ages of 70 and 74, and are highest in drivers who are aged 85 or older.

How Elderly Drivers Can Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

Older drivers who are already practicing safe driving habits should continue to do so. This includes always wearing a seatbelt, even on short car rides. Buckling up is one of the simplest, yet most important steps a driver or passenger can take to protect themselves in the event of a wreck. Drivers who tend to avoid driving at night or during bad weather should continue to make those smart choices, too. This includes staying off the road after taking sedating medicine or consuming too much alcohol. Senior drivers can also take the following steps to avoid injury and stay safe on the roads:

• Maintain strength and flexibility by exercising regularly.
• Review all medications you are taking with your physician to make sure there are no dangerous side effects or drug interactions.
• Have your vision checked at least once a year by a reputable eye doctor. Be sure to wear your glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive.
• Make sure you are taking the safest route, most direct route.
• Plan your route before you leave and be prepared with an alternate route in case of traffic or other unpredictable conditions.
• Leave plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Keep your attention focused on the road. Avoid distractions like talking on the phone, texting, or eating as they could lead to a distracted driving car accident.
• Consider riding with a friend or taking public transportation.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Older Drivers Obtain Compensation

If you or a loved one has been seriously or fatally injured in a car accident, the dedicated and compassionate Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side and will help guide you through every step of the process. Our goal is to protect your rights and obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.