Latest Blogs

Even though older drivers most often are the safest drivers because they are more likely to wear seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive, they are more likely, if involved in an accident, to suffer serious injuries and be killed. By the time a senior driver reaches his or her 70s, according to the Minnesota Times Standard, the risk typically starts to increase because of a decline in reflexes, alertness and other factors.

“As May is Older Americans Month, according to the U.S. Department of Health, Administration for Community Living, we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., feel it is time to re-visit the subject of reducing the risk of senior drivers’ being injured or killed in vehicle accidents,” said Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey. “Following is information on managing reaction times, driving refresher courses, and vehicle adjustment for safer driving.

Learn how to manage reaction times

AAA (American Automobile Association) recommends that seniors learn how to manage their reaction times. The reaction times depend on their ability to process information in the driving environment, use that information to choose an action and react based on the decision.

While the single most effective way to improve driver reaction time is to exercise the mind and body, according to AAA, there are ways to compensate for slower reaction times and eliminate driving distractions. These are:

• Increase your following distance. Allow a greater distance between you and the car ahead of you, so you’ll have more time to slow down or stop.
• Eliminate distractions inside the vehicle.
• Plan your route before you get behind the wheel.
• Use local roads instead of busy highways.
• Review your medications. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can slow your reaction times, blur vision and cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Stay awake and alert.

Consider driving refresher courses

It has been proven that driver safety programs can improve adult driver safety by addressing cognitive abilities and skills. AARP suggests that seniors consider taking a refresher class. AARP, AAA, and the National Safety Council offer such courses. Another recommendation comes from Johns Hopkins which involves working on improving driving skills with a driving instructor or vision rehabilitation specialist.

Be sure the vehicle is properly adjusted

Adjusting the vehicle for a proper fit is important for any driver, but particularly for older drivers to improve their safety.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) recommends the Car Fit program. This program provides information and materials on community-specific resources that could enhance the safety of older drivers and/or increase their mobility in the community.

Car Fit is a program developed by a collaboration of the American Society on Aging, AAA, AARP and AOTA. There are trained specialists that go through a 12-point checklist to see how well the driver and vehicle go together. To find a Car Fit program near you go to CarFit.org, or:

• Collier County - Collier County Sheriff’s Office
• Lee County – Lee County Sheriff’s Office
• Charlotte County – Held at the Cultural Center on pre-determined dates.

“If you are a senior involved in a vehicle accident, please contact us at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. for a no-cost review to determine your rights,” said Southwest Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Southwest Florida Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.