Are You an Older Driver Returning to the Road?
Clark County’s senior centers are reopening to the public after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are an older Las Vegas resident preparing to drive to the senior center or return to the road after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, read on for important information about older driver safety. This includes ways older drivers can assess how changes affect their driving.
Driver safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers has over 25 years of experience. This level of experience is exactly what you need when facing insurance companies who are not motivated to pay you the compensation you deserve. You need a car accident lawyer who will give you the benefit of experience, expertise, and knowledge of Nevada personal injury laws. We aggressively fight for you so you can receive just compensation for injuries sustained in a Las Vegas area car accident.
You need a top Las Vegas personal injury law firm to represent you – Anthem Injury Lawyers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Older Drivers by the Numbers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration compiled a fact sheet on traffic safety information about the older population. For the purposes of the fact sheet, “older” refers to people 65 and older. Key findings from the fact sheet include the following:
- In 2018, there were 6,907 people 65 and older killed in traffic crashes in the United States. This represented 19 percent of all traffic fatalities.
- Between 2017 and 2018 there was an 1 percent increase in the number of people 65 and older killed in traffic crashes.
- From 2009 to 2018, the population of people 65 and older increased by 32 percent. During that same time period, traffic crash fatalities in this age group increased by 30 percent.
- In 2018, older drivers made up 20 percent of all licensed drivers and 14 percent of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes.
- Among passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2018, those 65 and older were restrained 73 percent of the time. This is compared to 47 percent for those under 65.
- From 2009 to 2018, older male driver fatalities increased by 36 percent. This is compared with a 17 percent increase in older female driver fatalities.
- In 2018, most traffic fatalities in crashes involving older drivers occurred during the daytime (73 percent), on weekdays (70 percent), and involved other vehicles (68 percent). This is notable when compared to all fatalities: 48 percent during the daytime, 60 percent on weekdays, and 45 percent involving another vehicle.
- Sixty-nine percent of older passenger vehicle fatalities in 2018 occurred at nonintersection locations.
- Among the older population, the traffic fatality rate per 100,000 licensed drivers in 2018 was highest for the 85-and-older age group.
Older Drivers Are Safer
Overall, older drivers tend to engage in safer driving behaviors than other age groups. Older drivers tend to do the following:
- Wear seat belts.
- Drive when conditions are safest.
- Avoid drinking and driving.
Unfortunately, older adults are at a greater risk for death or injury in a car accident. If you are injured in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Las Vegas Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. We offer you the benefit of our experience as top personal injury lawyers. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless you win compensation. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation. Don’t delay: now is the right time to have us pursue your personal injury case. If you are severely injured don’t worry – we can come to you to discuss your case.
When you need a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer that can provide decades of experience, there’s one law firm to call – Anthem Injury Lawyers. Call now: (702) 857-6000
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Ways Older Drivers Can Assess How Changes Affect Their Driving
Since 2000, the number of older drivers has increased by 60 percent. As drivers age, it is important that they stay mobile and independent. It is also important that they stay safe on the roads. Are you an older driver? Below are some ways you can assess how changes affect your driving. The following list is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
How is your eyesight?
- Do you have trouble with any common driving tasks such as reading signs or handling headlight glare at night?
If yes, is there a solution to resolve the issue?
- Do you have glasses? Is your prescription current?
- Are your headlights working properly?
- Do you keep your windshield, mirrors, and headlights clean?
Do you have control of your vehicle?
As you age, you can lose strength, coordination, and flexibility. All of this can make it difficult to control your vehicle. Check that you can do the following:
- Look over your shoulder to change lanes.
- Move your foot from gas to the brake pedal with ease.
- Turn the steering wheel.
If you have difficulty doing any of the above tasks, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend physical/occupational therapy, stretching exercises, or a walking/fitness program.
You can also look at your equipment to see if there is anything available to make driving easier. This may include automatic transmission and power steering or adaptive features.
Does driving make you feel nervous, scared, or overwhelmed?
If you are an older driver, you should consider the following questions:
- Do you feel confused by traffic signs?
- Do people and cars in traffic make you confused?
- Does any of your medication make you sleepy?
- Do you react slowly to normal driving situations?
- Do you get dizzy?
- Do you have seizures or losses of consciousness?
Did you answer yes to any of the above questions?
- Stop driving until you address the condition. You may pose a risk to yourself and others on the road.
How you address the condition is unique to your situation. However, it is important to create a safe driving plan or use alternate means of transportation.
Are loved ones concerned about your driving?
Have family members or friends talked to you about your driving? If so, consider creating a safe driving plan. This may include talking to your doctor about your medication or limiting your driving to certain times and/or routes.
Have you been injured in a car accident?
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
We hope the above tips help you assess your driving, so you stay safe on the road. If another driver injures you in a Las Vegas area car accident, you should speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can help you determine what steps to take next.
The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers and staff ready to help you. We offer you the expertise you need to go against parties who are dedicated to keeping you from receiving the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless you win compensation.
Our office is conveniently located in Henderson, Nevada. If you are unable to visit our offices, our injury lawyers can come to you. You need Anthem Injury Lawyers – we can help you win the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Call or text (702) 857-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
