Can you encourage your elderly loved ones to drive safely?
Posted in Firm News, Motor Vehicle Accidents on July 31, 2017
If you are one of the many Washington folks who have elderly loved ones that still drive, you may have experienced some apprehension at the thought of them on the road. Often, the focus on safe driving is geared towards younger generations with less experience. However, it is just as important to encourage safe driving practices in regards to your senior family members for their own protection and that of other drivers on the road.
According to the Huffington Post, there are friendly and positive ways in which you can talk to your elderly family members about how to drive safely. These include the following:
- Share conversations: One of the easiest things you can do is to sit down and have a conversation with your loved one. Begin by acknowledging his or her desire to remain independent. Ask him or her if there are any concerns about driving or any physical or mental limitations that could potentially cause danger.
- Do some research: You may be surprised at the amount of resources designed just for encouraging driver safety among senior residents. With some simple research, you can find programs designed to test a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. You may also talk to your loved one about taking a test to assess how comfortably he or she fits into his or her vehicle.
- Provide assistance: If you catch wind that maybe your loved one is not comfortable driving long distances, driving in the dark, driving on certain roads or even driving altogether, provide assistance. This may come in the form of offering rides or arranging other means of transportation.
Encouraging your elderly family members to maintain their physical abilities, vision and cognitive abilities can help them to drive safer and more confidently. Your efforts may make an active difference in helping your loved one avoid a potentially dangerous car accident. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
Jay M. Kelly III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He is licensed in Washington and heads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
call us 1 (800) 355-6446
