Story by Staff Writer, Encompassinsurance.us February 25, 2023 1:30 PM EST - Buffalo, NY
Understanding Senior Driving Risks
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), senior citizens are at an increased risk of being involved in car accidents due to age-related declines in vision, hearing, and cognitive function. Additionally, older adults are more likely to be injured or killed in car accidents than younger drivers. This makes it important for senior citizens to be aware of the risks of driving and to take steps to stay safe on the road.
As we age, our vision and hearing may decline, making it more difficult to see and hear other cars on the road. This can lead to accidents if senior citizens are not aware of their surroundings. In addition, many seniors experience cognitive decline, which can impact their decision-making and reaction times while driving.
As a result, it's important for seniors to take extra precautions while on the road and to be aware of their limitations.
While it may be difficult to face the fact that age is impacting your driving abilities, it's important to take steps to stay safe on the road. This can include regular vision and hearing tests, as well as cognitive evaluations to assess your ability to react to driving situations. By staying aware of the risks of driving as a senior citizen, you can take the necessary steps to stay safe on the road.
Hashtags: #seniordrivingrisks #nhtsa #drivesafe
Changes to Driving Habits
One way for senior citizens to stay safe on the road is to make changes to their driving habits. This can include driving only during the day, avoiding rush hour traffic, and limiting the use of highways or other high-speed roads. Additionally, it's important for senior citizens to avoid distractions while driving, such as using a cell phone or eating while behind the wheel.
Another way to stay safe while driving is to make sure that you are wearing your seatbelt and that your car is properly maintained. By taking these simple steps, senior citizens can reduce their risk of being involved in a car accident and stay safe on the road.
If you are a senior citizen and are concerned about your driving abilities, it's important to talk to your doctor or a driving instructor. They can help you assess your driving abilities and make recommendations for changes to your driving habits. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that you are staying safe on the road.
Giving Up Driving
In some cases, it may be necessary for senior citizens to give up driving altogether. This can be a difficult decision, but it's important to prioritize safety and consider the risks of continuing to drive in old age. There are many resources available to help seniors transition to a car-free lifestyle, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, and community programs that offer transportation assistance.
Giving up driving can be a difficult decision, especially for seniors who are used to being independent and self-sufficient. However, it's important to recognize the risks of continuing to drive in old age and to prioritize safety. By making use of alternative transportation options, seniors can continue to stay active and engaged in their communities without putting themselves or others at risk.
If you or a loved one is considering giving up driving, it's important to talk to your doctor or a driving instructor. They can help you assess your driving abilities and make recommendations for alternative transportation options. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts for seniors who use alternative transportation or who no longer drive.
Hashtags: #givingupdriving #seniortransportation #carfree
Insurance Coverage for Seniors
Insurance can play an important role in helping senior citizens stay safe on the road. This includes coverage for accidents, injuries, and liability claims. It's important for senior citizens to review their insurance coverage regularly and to make sure they have adequate protection in case of an accident.
Making sure our senior's liability limits are adequate enough is our most helpful tip. This covers any damage or injuries that you may cause to others while driving. It's important to have the appropriate liability coverage, as accidents can be costly and may result in expensive lawsuits.
Make sure all seniors have enough Personal Injury insurance to cover their injuries should an accident occur. In New York and other no-fault states, we recommend no less than $100,000 total combined no-fault benefits.
If you live in a tort state (like Pennsylvania) be sure your policy has the Full Tort option included
We recommend no less than $100,000 Each Person, $300,000 Each Accident for liability limits for most seniors. Rarely should a senior (or anyone) drive with limits less than that.
Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts for seniors who take defensive driving courses or who drive less frequently. These discounts can help to lower the cost of insurance for seniors and make it more affordable to stay protected on the road.
DID YOU KNOW? The defensive driving course can lower your liability insurance costs by 10% automatically. The discount is good for three years!
Conclusion
As we age, it's important to take extra precautions to stay safe on the road. For senior citizens, this can mean making changes to their driving habits or even giving up driving altogether. While this can be a difficult decision, it's important to prioritize safety and consider the risks of continuing to drive in old age. By staying aware of the risks of driving as a senior citizen and taking advantage of insurance coverage options, seniors can stay safe on the road and enjoy their independence for years to come.
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