Everyone ages differently, but one thing is true for everyone – aging can harm the ability to drive safely. If you are in a collision with an elder driver, people might be quick to blame you in the same way that they might be quick to tell you that you should’ve taken more care if you and an elderly person collided while walking. However, the reality is that the elder person’s age may well be why the crash occurred.
Think about someone you watched age, perhaps a grandparent or parent. Think about how much more capable they were of certain things when they were younger. You will suffer something similar when you age, just as anyone does. Effects of aging can include:
Reduced vision and hearing
Crashes can occur when a driver does not spot another vehicle. Eyesight weakens with age making this more likely. Night-time driving is a particular issue for those with aging eyes.
Hearing can also deteriorate, and while it might not as important as sight when driving, noticing audible clues as to what is going on around them is helpful for a driver.
Reduced reaction speed
While some people’s minds stay sharp until their death, many people see a significant loss in their ability to think fast and clearly. Being able to make quick judgments about situations is crucial when driving. Thus, an elder driver might be slow to react. People cannot move their bodies as fast when they age, either, and they don’t have the same strength they once did, further reducing the chances they can react in time to avoid causing a collision.
Those involved in crashes may need help to understand why the crash occurred and pursue compensation, regardless of where they sit on the age spectrum.