Senior drivers can face unique challenges.
Woman in Her Late 70s Suffers Possible Medical Episode While Driving, Dies in Crash
According to a KSAT News report, a senior woman died in an accident possibly caused by a medical episode this morning.
Police reported the accident happened at around 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 26th, in the 200 block of Robert B. Green Way near downtown. Witnesses told police they saw the woman speeding before slamming into a vehicle, which was pushed into another SUV as a result. It’s unclear exactly what happened before the crash, but witnesses say they believed the woman was suffering a medical episode. Five people were involved in the crash; 3 were taken to the hospital, while a 4-year-old child who was in one of the vehicles was unharmed. The woman, who was in her late 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Carfit helps senior drivers find comfort, safety, and fit within their vehicles. Find an event near you here.
Senior Driving Safety: Tips for Older Adults in Texas
Everybody ages differently. There are many seniors in their late 70s and early 80s or even beyond who still drive themselves around with no problem.
However, there are various physical issues that come with aging, which can affect your driving. Since everyone is different, it’s important to know how to evaluate your driving ability so that you and those around you remain safe.
What Sort of Changes Affect Driving Ability?
Some of the natural changes that come with aging that can affect driving ability include:
- Vision: Do you struggle to see the lines on the road or nearby street signs? Make sure your prescription is up-to-date, and you always wear your corrective lenses when driving.
- Physical Fitness: Does it hurt to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot? Do you struggle to move your foot quickly between the gas and brake pedals? If so, talk to your doctor about potential changes you can make to ease these struggles.
- Reaction Times: Do you struggle to judge gaps in traffic? Are you overwhelmed with street signs, pedestrians, lights, and other things that require your attention while driving?
Evaluate yourself. If there are changes you can make to improve any of these struggles, do it. But, if it’s time to step away from the wheel, know that it is not weakness but considerate and courageous to do so.
Senior Driving Tips
Here are some things you can do on your next trip from HealthinAging.org to ease stress and have a safer ride:
- Plan Ahead: Study your route before you go so you’re not distracted while on the road.
- Check Your Medications: Did you recently change medications? Many have drowsiness as a side effect, which makes driving dangerous. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure.
- Choose Safer Times: Try to only drive during the daytime and avoid rush hour. Rainy, foggy, or icy weather should also be avoided whenever possible.
- Choose Safer Routes: Avoid unprotected left turns, highways with ramps, and busy/difficult intersections whenever possible.
Of course, you can do everything right as a senior driver and still get in an accident. When the worst happens, call Shaw.
Injured in a Car Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you were hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Surgeries,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw for your car accident injury at 800-862-1260 to set up your free case evaluation with a Carabin Shaw attorney. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need. We’re a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.