The elderly behind the wheel: are they at risk in Louisiana?

Traffic accident statistics show that auto accident rates go down with the driver's age, until the driver reaches the 61-70 age bracket. Then, crash frequency starts going up again very steeply.

There are two ways to look at the problem of unsafe elderly drivers in Louisiana:

• How does old age affect their driving ability?
• Why do older drivers keep driving?

Why are older drivers at risk?

With every passing year, older drivers are subject to more impairment that affects their ability to drive safely:
Vision: The natural evolution is to have declining vision with old age, which is frequently compounded by an increase in conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and stroke. Elders are also far more sensitive to changes in light and glare.

Cognition: Driving is a complex activity requiring focus, coordination, speed of execution, anticipation, memory and visual processing. For many elderly people, the stress of driving is far higher than what they are used to during the course of any day, and goes beyond their ability to cope. Many older drivers are also taking medication that can further impair their abilities and reaction time.

Motor function: For elders, getting in and out of the car is difficult and takes time. Their grip on the steering wheel, ability to slam on the brakes or turn the head is also reduced because of muscular weakness.

Impairing ailments: Far more than people in younger age groups, elders could be suffering from a variety of illnesses that limit their mobility and capacity to drive, such as: arthritis, strokes, Parkinson's disease, sleep apnea, diabetes or seizures.

Why do elderly people keep driving?

Everyone has a duty to prevent elderly drivers from getting behind the wheel if and when they have become a risk to themselves and the public. Whereas the renewal of a driver's license can be refused if a driver is visually impaired, other means of preventing impaired elders from driving require the active involvement of their doctor and family members or friends.

For elders, having to give up driving is often a dreadful prospect. It means giving up their cherished independence and ability to go around freely and meet people.

If you have been hurt in a Louisiana car accident, contact the attorneys of the Young Firm in New Orleans immediately for a FREE consultation on your case at (504) 680-4100 (local) or (866) 660-7220 (toll free), or by sending us an e-mail.