Older motorists often are forced to quit driving because fatigue and poor physical conditioning make them a safety risk to themselves and others. That doesn’t have to be the case, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The study says older drivers can improve their driving skills, enabling them to driver longer, with simple steps like weekly exercise and stretching, and ensuring they get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
“It is important that we find ways to keep older drivers in good physical health in order to extend their mobility,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the Foundation.
Researchers evaluated eight factors that impact the driving abilities of older adults:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Pain interference
- Physical functioning
- Pain intensity
- Participation in social activities
The Benefits of Daily Exercise and Stretching
Improving body flexibility through stretching exercises enables senior drivers to move more freely, allowing them to observe the road from various angles. Maintaining and improving physical strength improves driver alertness and the ability to perform vital functions, including:
- Braking
- Steering
- Parking
- Looking to the side and rear
- Adjusting seat belts
- Sitting for long periods of time
“Some decline in physical fitness is inevitable as we age,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “But research shows that exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to produce positive results. You can spread out the time you spend being physically active over the course of your day and week. A few minutes at a time can be sufficient.”
Don’t Get Desperate – Get Even
Auto accidents in Florida’s Pinellas and Sarasota Counties often are caused by older drivers who are in no physical shape to be behind the wheel. They probably know it but ignore the dangers for their own convenience even though they are a threat to themselves and others.
If you’ve been the victim of an accident caused by an older driver, you may be suffering from debilitating injuries, unable to work and provide for your family as the bills pile up. You could be lost in a maze of legalities, with an insurance company pressuring you into accepting a financial settlement that comes nowhere close to what you need or deserve because they know you are desperate.
The personal injury lawyers at Farrow & Pulice, P.A., have been handled cases just like yours in Southwestern Florida – including Sarasota, Bradenton and Port Charlotte – for more than 60 years combined. They know the laws, the local courts and how to handle insurance companies. Most importantly, they know how to treat you with respect while getting results that will put your life back on track. Schedule a free consultation. Contact us today.
