If you are an elderly person who has been injured by a driver who is not obeying the law, you may want to hire a lawyer. Having a lawyer on your side can help you recover some money that you may have lost due to the injuries.
Reduced reaction time
A study was conducted to test the impact of age on drivers’ reaction time. The results showed that although drivers’ reaction time increased with age, the effect was not statistically significant. Moreover, it was not the only factor that affected reaction time.
The researchers studied the response time of 116 drivers aged between 20 and 80 in two experiments, one conducted on the road and the other using a driving simulator. Reaction time was measured by the use of a triaxial accelerometer.
The authors found that there was a small but statistically significant difference in the average reaction time of the drivers in each group. For example, a driver aged 60 years old had a 0.32 second average response time, while a driver aged 20 years old had a 1.64 second average.
Slower reactions
For a driver to stay safe and avoid an accident, they need to have the proper motor skills and a good sense of direction. However, as we age our cognitive abilities and reflexes begin to slow down. This is particularly true when driving, which requires a good deal of visuo-motor coordination. This may be a reason why older drivers seem to be more susceptible to accidents and injuries.
In the hazard recognition category, a recent study from researchers in Israel showed that older drivers were able to identify pedestrians half as often as their younger counterparts. This translates into a higher risk of a crash, which can be attributed to the fact that the elderly are less stable and less physically fit.
Poor eyesight
Poor eyesight for elderly drivers can have an impact on driving ability and safety. Age-related changes to the eye, including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can affect the driver’s ability to recognize road signs, read gauges, and perform other daily activities.
Glaucoma is a condition that causes gradual loss of peripheral vision and visual acuity. It also causes night vision problems. Seniors with this condition should wear the right glasses for driving.
Older drivers can suffer from blurred vision, which is caused by smaller pupils. The smaller pupils let less light enter the eye, making it difficult to see details in low light. This problem increases in severity as people age.
Chronic disease
The aging population has increased the number of older drivers in the United States. This is not necessarily good. Chronic diseases may hinder the ability of these adults to drive. Moreover, their health conditions will worsen over time. It is important to have early detection of these conditions to reduce the risk of crashes.
The cost of chronic disease is increasing in the U.S. Among the major drivers of the increasing costs is the aging Baby Boomer population. In addition, there is an increase in the prevalence of children with chronic diseases.
The burden of chronic disease on the national economy is significant. It has a direct impact on medical treatment and hospital stays, as well as indirect costs, such as lost jobs and economic productivity. It also affects the quality of life for the families of patients.
Medication
If you’re an elderly driver, be sure to pay attention to your medications or you will need the help of a car accidents involving elderly drivers lawyer. A few of them are likely to have a side effect that makes your driving ability useless. For instance, your doctor may have prescribed you a prescription medicine to help you sleep, but it might also impair your judgment and make you drowsy.
The other reason to monitor your medications is that it can prevent accidents. In some states, you need to report to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you suffer from a medical condition that impairs your driving.
If you are involved in a crash, you should consult with an attorney to see if you have a claim. Depending on your age, you may even be able to get compensation for your injuries.
Legal recourse
As you age, your ability to drive may be affected by a variety of factors. These range from health to vision impairment. If you are an elderly driver, you may want to take steps to protect yourself from accidents and to keep your driving credentials in good standing.
The best way to ensure that you are protected is to seek legal assistance. An attorney will not only be able to help you file a lawsuit, but he or she can also help you preserve the evidence you need to prove that your elderly driver was at fault.
A lawyer will be able to assess the details of your case, and will be able to inform you of any deadlines that may apply. You might be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, or the pain and suffering you endured in a collision.
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