How Safe is it to Let Elderly Relatives Drive?

An elderly Austin woman was seriously injured in an accident last month during rush hour. The cause of this accident has not yet been reported in the news.

Elderly drivers, along with teen drivers, are at the most risk of being involved in car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Texas is second among all fifty states in fatalities involving drivers that are 65 years old or older.

Are There Alternatives for Seniors Who Should No Longer Drive?

Older drivers are more susceptible to chronic diseases, driving-impairing medication and poor eyesight, especially poor night vision. Some communities have subpar public transportation, making driving to get basic needs unavoidable. However, elderly drivers can put others and themselves at risk if they are unable to drive as well as they once could.

Here are some alternative ways that your loved one can reach places for both basic needs and recreation:

• Buses and metro rail are good alternatives. It is best that a family member or friend accompanies your senior relative until they clearly understand the routes and the procedure of public transportation.
• Taxis are among one of the best alternatives, but they can be expensive to use every day.
• Some retirement homes or senior centers offer shuttles to and from their locations. Additionally, some shuttles will stop at grocery stories, hospitals and other locations.
• You may be surprised by how many people in your neighborhood might welcome the idea of running errands with your parent or grandparent. Some people are always available for conversation, and running errands together is a good way to socialize.

However, when discussing alternatives to driving, it is best that you do so with as much understanding and sensitivity as possible. To some, losing the ability to drive may seem like the beginning of the end. There are ways to promote this life change more optimistically.

Austin Auto Accident Attorneys Defend the Rights of Injured Motorists

At The Law Offices of Aaron Allison, we look out for the rights of drivers of all ages. Together, we can work to bring you some peace of mind, as well as strive to get you the most compensation we can for your injuries or losses.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Personal Injury Attorney

Alternative driving program: http://www.stdavidsrehab.com/programs-services/outpatient-rehabilitation-services/driving-program.aspx