How can I tell when an elderly relative should stop driving?

 

A: There is no set age where a person is considered no longer able to drive. Some people are perfectly capable of driving well into their eighties, while others are a danger on the road at sixty.

So how can you tell for sure? If your parent is starting to show any of these signs, it may be time to hang up the keys:

• Physical limitations. If your loved one has pain or stiffness in their neck, it may be difficult for them to look over their shoulder or across intersections. If they walk with a cane, they may have trouble moving their foot from the gas to the brake. Arm or shoulder pain can make controlling the wheel a challenge.
• Mental or memory problems. Does your relative seem to forget things easily or reference events that never happened? A mental deficiency can be deadly on the road, and driving privileges should be revoked at the first signs.
• Trouble with the finer points of driving. Take a ride with your relative. Watch out for lane drifting, changing lanes without signaling, or sudden braking. Take note of how often the signals and horn are used. If they seem to be “peering” at the road or not fully paying attention, it may be time for them to stop driving. 
• Close calls. Elderly drivers may claim that objects “came out of nowhere,” resulting in near-crashes or traffic citations. Although they may not think they were at fault, increased traffic incidents are a good indication that your relative should not be behind the wheel.

Just like you, the experienced Houston accident lawyers at Vujasinovic & Beckcom have your family’s best interests at heart when dealing with a senior car wreck case in Texas. Call us today at (877) 724-7800 to discuss your rights to compensation in your free consultation.
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