5 Signs an Elderly Driver May No Longer Be Safe behind the Wheel

While driving is an excellent way for seniors to feel independent, it can become increasingly hazardous as they age. As the younger family members and caretakers of older adults, it is vital to recognize the warning signs that your elderly loved one’s driving may no longer be safe. It can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is critical for the safety of your elderly loved one and others on the road.

If you were injured in an accident with an elderly driver, they should likely have never been on the road. Contact a trusted car accident attorney as soon as possible to review the details of your case and evaluate the amount of compensation you may be entitled to collect.

5 Warning Signs That Your Elderly Loved One is No Longer Safe to Drive

If you suspect that your elderly family member should no longer be behind the wheel, there are several warning signs you can watch out for. Some signs the senior in your life may not be safe to continue driving include:

Recent External Damage to Their Vehicle

Examining your loved one’s car is a good place to start looking for warning signs. If their car has any recent dents or scratches, they may have gotten involved in minor accidents such as bumping into a mailbox or other vehicle when trying to park.

Difficulty Seeing

Your vision is essential to your ability to drive a car safely. If your loved one is straining to see due to glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye issues, they will not be safe to drive, even if they assert otherwise.

Signs of Confusion behind the Wheel

As your loved one deals with the physical and mental challenges of aging, they may begin to experience some confusion when they drive. Some signs that are a cause for concern are:

• Getting lost in areas they should know
• Difficulty backing up the vehicle
• Decreased ability to see or keep up with traffic lights, signs, or road markings
• Confusing the gas pedal for the brake pedal or vice versa
• Inability to concentrate on driving amid distractions
• Slowed response time
• Sudden road rage
• Getting honked at by other drivers

These are only a few signs of confusion behind the wheel. Watch your loved one closely to determine any other signs of confusion.

Slowed Driving

If your loved one has started to drive significantly slower than the speed limit, it could indicate that they are not confident in their driving abilities. They may be slowing down to give themselves extra time to react or read signs. However, if they have difficulty with these tasks, they should no longer be behind the wheel.

Their Driving Scares Others

When determining whether or not your elderly loved one is still capable of driving, it is essential to consult with other members of their family. If other people are no longer comfortable riding in the car while your loved one is driving, it is probably time for them to stop.

Speak with an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney

If you have sustained an injury due to an accident with an elderly driver, an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive compensation for the full extent of your losses. The experienced attorneys at Sutliff & Stout have years of experience helping clients across Texas achieve a favorable outcome for their cases. Our qualified legal team is committed to advocating on your behalf and giving you peace of mind that your case is in capable hands.

Call our office today at (713) 987-7111 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential case review with a member of our legal team.