A new study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, has found that among seniors ages 65 to 79 years, the chances of traffic accidents increase in the year after they start developing migraines.
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In many ways, elderly drivers can be among the safer motorists on Florida roads. They have more experience behind the wheel, for example, and are statistically less likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. This can make them less likely to be in Florida traffic crashes.
At the same time, elderly drivers do face additional challenges that can affect their ability to drive. Unless these factors are addressed, some senior drivers may have an increased risk of Florida car collisions.
DUI car crashes can happen to anyone, but in Florida, where 4.5 million people are senior citizens, motorists who are 65 and over are at a risk of drunk driving accidents.
Seniors can be very safe drivers. They have years of experience behind the wheel and they are less likely to take part in dangerous driving or risky behaviors. That said, seniors do face additional challenges. They may develop medical conditions which affect their mobility driving ability, for example. The roads and even technology in cars may have also changed significantly since the they last received formal driving instruction.
For many families, it’s a difficult conversation to have: when should mom or dad give up their car keys? For many seniors, giving up their car keys is a serious worry because it affects their independence. If you as a family are having this discussion, there are a few things you can do to help keep your senior family member safer:
In Hollywood, Miami and other South Florida communities, golf is a very popular activity. The warm weather allows for golfing year-round and the region has some of the best greens in the country. Golf carts are a part of the game and with a large population of seniors in South Florida, golf carts are often used to get around a course.
However, golf carts are not just used at the golf course. In many cases, residents use these vehicles to get around. In fact, street-legal golf carts are permitted by federal laws on streets with speed limits of 35 mph. Putting golf carts, even street-legal ones, on the road with much larger vehicles which are allowed to drive much faster can be dangerous.
This year, Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, gave up his driver’s license after getting into a car accident at age 97. When his news made headlines, it started many discussions about aging and driving safety. If you live in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida, you may wonder whether you can continue to drive safely as you get older. Or, you may be worried about an older driver who seems to be struggling.
While many older drivers continue to drive safely and while as a group seniors have a lower rate of accidents, statistically, than young adults in many studies, there is no doubt that some of the health concerns associated with getting older can negatively impact driving. Decreased mobility due to osteoporosis and other conditions or declining vision due to age can impact the ability to safely drive a car.
Seniors tend to be safer drivers in many ways, as they are less likely to speed when compared with other age groups, and may be less likely to drive drunk or engage in risky behaviors. Nevertheless, seniors also have higher risks of crashes when compared with other age groups, in part due to changes in road conditions and in part due to age-related conditions.
Someone who has been driving since they were 16 and is now a senior has been driving for decades. The world, traffic, cars, and the pace of driving have all changed significantly in that time. In addition, seniors may be subject to age-related macular degeneration, vision problems, mobility issues, dementia, and other conditions which can negatively impact driving and which can be a higher risk with age.
Driver rehabilitation professionals in Hollywood and across Florida help people with different abilities drive a car safely. If you have suffered a serious injury after a car accident in Hollywood or your community and now face a permanent injury such as an amputation, head injury, spinal cord injury, or any injury, driver rehabilitation can help you determine how you can get safely back to driving.
Driver rehabilitation professionals are also essential in helping senior drivers drive safely, even as their physical condition changes. Senior drivers and other drivers who suffer from physical conditions such as arthritis, vision problems, and other mobility problems can work with rehabilitation professionals to find solutions to help them maintain independence.
Elderly drivers have some habits that can help them avoid injury and car accidents. According to statistics, older drivers have more experience behind the wheel and are less likely to drink and drive than many younger drivers. In addition, senior drivers are statistically more likely to obey the speed limit and wear their seat belts.
Unfortunately, senior drivers do face some challenges when driving. They can have a higher risk of car accidents when compared with other age groups. They are also more likely to be seriously or fatally injured in a car accident. Age-related conditions such as osteoporosis can mean more fractures and more serious fractures while other medical conditions can complicate car accident injuries.
Elderly drivers can be safe behind the wheel, but senior drivers statistically have more accidents per mile driven than younger adult drivers. In fact, only teen drivers have more accidents per mile driven – and their accidents are less likely to be fatal when compared with crashes involving the elderly.
If you have a loved one, you may worry that they’ll be in a car accident in Hollywood or their home community. You may realize that any health conditions they have may make it harder for them to recover quickly, and you may genuinely be worried about their welfare. But how can you have a conversation about driving skills and safety with a parent or other senior?
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