Pedestrian Accidents In Florida Occur At The Hands Of Elderly Drivers
Many people walk as a way of exercising or commuting, especially in Florida where the weather is ideal most of the year. Unfortunately, pedestrians are vulnerable around traffic because they have no protection in the event of a collision. And because our state has a high percentage of elderly drivers, pedestrian safety is of great concern.
While many elderly drivers are great, safe drivers, there are many senior drivers on the road that cause pedestrian accidents in Florida. Some of the factors that affect a senior’s ability to drive safely and put pedestrians at risk include:
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Vision loss. It is a fact that as people age their vision deteriorates. This is why many seniors don’t feel comfortable driving after the sun goes down. Simply put, elderly drivers just don’t see as well as they used to, which could increase their chances of hitting pedestrians.
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Medical conditions and medications. When older people suffer from a health condition, they often take medications to treat that condition. Unfortunately, medications can affect someone’s driving ability, impairing the driver’s judgment and reactions. So even if an elderly driver saw a pedestrian, he or she might not be able to react quick enough to stop the car.
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Dementia or Alzheimers. Illnesses such as these can create confusion in someone’s mind. When one of these conditions is coupled with driving, it is likely a senior will get into a wreck because he or she might get confused between the brake and gas pedals.
If you have been injured as a result of an elderly driver, it is still important to file a claim for your damages. For help getting the maximum compensation possible from that driver’s insurance company, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 954-677-0155 for a complimentary consultation today.
