Signs That A Senior Citizen May Be Driving Impaired

Signs That A Senior Citizen May Be Driving Impaired

Impaired driving goes far beyond intoxication; in fact, the influences of prescribed drugs and lack of sleep and a wide variety of other variables typically exhibited by senior citizens while driving should be of concern. For example, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia has become a more prevalent disease in recent years. Senior citizens who have Alzheimer’s and who are driving a vehicle may exhibit signs similar to impaired driving. Lack of concentration and poor judgment may be obvious signs that a driver could have Alzheimer’s disease.

Reduce Range Of Motion

Less common but equally important when it comes to impairment and driving is drivers that have serious or chronic arthritis. Advanced arthritis can reduce range of motion, cause stiffness and pain and result in a driver being unable to perform basic tasks needed to drive a car safely. When arthritis is in the advanced stages it can actually cause some level of impairment in a driver. Another less common cause of impaired driving is a driver that has diabetes. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can result in reduced cognitive function, reduced focus and even reduced vision.

A Seizure Can Result In Lack Of Concentration

All of these can result in a driver appearing to be impaired. Seizures can often be attributed to impaired driving. What is even more alarming is that seizures can occur in drivers of any age. A seizure can result in lack of concentration and poor judgment when driving a vehicle. In advanced stages, seizures can even cause complete loss of consciousness resulting in a driver crashing. This is not only dangerous for the driver of the vehicle but it is also dangerous for pedestrians and drivers of other vehicles.

A Far More Difficult Time Driving At Night

Equally of concern is when a driver has some type of visual difficulty or disturbance. Everything from macular degeneration to cataracts and glaucoma can cause a driver to have a narrower field of vision or reduced levels of vision in general. This type of driver will typically have a far more difficult time driving at night or during twilight. Another major concern with regard to drivers that have reduced vision is that they are more susceptible to the glare caused by the headlights of oncoming vehicles. Contact Hastings and Hastings today if you have been injured through no fault of your own – the firm is a Phoenix personal injury attorney with years of experience.