Clues That Your Elderly Loved One Shouldn't Be Behind The Wheel

There comes a point in each of our lives where we must stop doing things we love simply due to our age.  Driving is one of those things that even if you do not love doing it, if you live long enough, you are likely going to have to give it up.  Most of us have elderly relatives, but we may not be sure when is the time you should have "the hang up your keys talk" with them.  This talk is so important due to the dangers elderly drivers posed.  Yesterday an elderly driver killed her elderly passenger in aparking lot crash!   

These incidents are happening far too often and it is because we do not realize or loved ones are unsafe, or we don't take the necessary steps to get them off the road.  Below are some clues from the National Institute on Aging that may help you recognize when you should take steps to get an elderly driver off the road. 

1)  Look for Evidence of Multiple Crashes or near misses:  Even minor crashes that occur in parking lots should be concerning.  If you notice your elderly loved one's vehicle has dents and scratches then that should be an indication they are hitting things and maybe they shouldn't be on the road.   If the elderly driver is constantly mentioning a near miss with another vehicle, that may be an indicator that they are having issues safely driving.

2) You Hear Comments from Others:  Many people will joke about their experiences with their elderly driving relative, friend, or neighbor.  However, many of these comments or jokes are grounded in truth.  If you hear these comments then ask more questions to determine the facts surrounding them.  If you confirm there is an issue you should have the talk about whether or not the elderly driver should continue driving.

3) The Elderly Driver Quits Driving At Night:   Quitting driving at night may be a good first step.  However, this may be the symptom of a larger issue.  You should ask why the elderly driver quit driving at night and have a medical professional evaluate the person to ensure they are safe to drive during the day.

4) Health Issues That Affect Driving:  If your elderly friend or loved one is having issues remembering things, or can't move quickly then that may be an indicator they shouldn't be driving.   Driving is a complex task that requires a person to physically and mentally be involved at all times.  If there is a medical issue that substantially impairs either their mental or physical abilities then the elderly person should probably not be driving.

5) Complaints that Others Are Driving Too Fast:  Many elderly drivers stay off the highway if they can.  They may also complain other drivers drive too fast or change lanes abruptly.  This should be a clue the elderly driver does not feel comfortable on the road.  We have all seen the elderly driver that is going 50 MPH in a 65 MPH zone.  That is most likely because that is the speed they feel comfortable at.  However, that is an issue, because they should feel comfortable at driving all speeds, including the posted 65 MPH.  This may be a reason to talk to the driver about whether or not they feel safe driving on the road.  If not, then they should most likely hang up the keys. 

If you need more information regarding elderly drivers click here.  Please consult with a medical professional or the DMV if you have questions regarding whether it is safe for your elderly friend or loved one to be on the road.   Please do not rely solely on this post.  However, feel free to call Portland Oregon personal injury attorney Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658 if you have additional questions.   If you or someone you know has been injured by an elderly driver call Ross Law LLC at 503.224.1658.  This Post may be considered attorney advertising.

When Should An Elderly Driver Stop Driving?

Many elderly folks rely on their vehicles as their only source of transportation.  These folks regularly get behind the wheel just as the rest of us do.  However, there is a point where everyone needs to realize they are not physically and mentally able to perform the complex task of driving a vehicle anymore.   All too often we read about crashes where an elderly person crashes into a building because they confuse the brake and gas pedal, or makes some other unexplainable error.  Many of these incidents are minor and thankfully no one gets injured. However, some folks are not that lucky.  

Yesterday a 94-year-old driver killed her 92-year-old passenger in a parking lot crash.  The 94-year-old backed into a car in the parking lot, then suddenly accelerated into a tree causing the car to flip over.   This crash killed the 92-year-old driver.   This is an awful tragedy that could have likely been prevented if the 94-year-old had realized she shouldn't be on the road. Many people know they are having difficulties, but are too stubborn to admit it and stop driving.   This can lead to the tragic outcomes.  This can also lead to claims for punitive damages against the elderly driver or their estate. 

Here are some tips from the National Institute of Aging if you are worried about your driving:

1) You May Have to Stop Driving Due to Joint Stiffness Or Pain:  See a doctor if you are having stiffness or pain when you drive.  If you can't drive without pain or stiffness it may be time to hand over the keys.  This is due to the fact that the pain is going to prevent you from performing tasks such as moving the steering wheel, pressing the pedals, turning your head to check your mirrors.  These tasks must be performed without impairment.

2) If You Can't See Clearly You May Have to Hand over the Keys:  Vision issues affect most everyone, including myself.  However, if a person cannot see clearly even with glasses they shouldn't be on the road.

3) Your Hearing Troubles May Make You An Unsafe Driver:  Driving is a complex task that requires almost all of our senses. We rely on hearing to alert us to dangers and to hear sirens and commands.  If you can't hear clearly and are unable to make adjustments to compensate for the loss of hearing then it may not be a great idea to drive. 

4) Your Medical Issues or Age Affect Your Mental Abilities:  Many people suffer from memory issues, dementia, Alzheimer's, routine minor strokes, or seizures.  These can be deadly diseases if a person gets behind the wheel because the illnesses will impair the person's ability to safely drive.  Aging also affects your reflexes and reaction time.  These cases are tragic when an elderly person kills or injures another due to their mental issues, or simply not having the reflexes to safely drive.  If you are at an age where your mental issues are impairing your driving you should probably stay off the road.  

5) Your Medications May Impair Your Driving:  Medications can cause you to be an impaired driver.  This means you are committing the same crime as a person that chugs a six pack and hits the road.   If you cause a crash then you will likely be arrested and convicted of DUII.  However, your main concern should be that you may injure or kill someone as a result of ingesting your prescribed medication.  Follow the warnings and doctors advice.  If you have to take medication that makes it unsafe to drive, then do not drive.

If you have more questions about elderly drivers feel free to call Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.  If you, or someone you know, has been injured by an elderly driver call Portland Personal Injury Attorney Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.  Ross Law gives a free case evaluation for personal injury clients.  DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON THIS POST TO DETERMINE IF YOU SHOULD BE DRIVING, SEE YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER OR THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.   This post could be considered attorney advertising.