Recently, an early afternoon two-car collision along U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont, Florida killed three employees of the Service Electric Co.
A 92-year-old man from Davenport decided to make a turn, but pulled out in front of another driver who was on the highway. The second driver did not have the time to evade the senior’s car. He collided into the vehicle and careened off the road and into the three utility workers, killing the crew.
A Florida highway patrol officer reports that the utility men followed safety precautions and were clearly visible.
Three more utility workers were at the scene, but they were uninjured. The driver of the second car was taken to the hospital, while the senior driver was uninjured. The case is still being investigated.
This tragic story is one example of the many potential risks that some senior drivers pose to others on the road.
Why Are Senior Drivers at Risk?
With Florida’s senior population expected to double by 2020, Floridians should understand the potential risks posed by some senior drivers. The following are few of the issues that some seniors face:
- Loss of physical agility, such as an inability to look over his or her shoulder while reversing, for instance.
- Weakness in the legs, which can make it more difficult switching from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal.
- Delays in reflex and reaction times.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Weakness of vision, including some senior drivers who may be developing cataracts or an early onset of glaucoma.
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
These are a few of the issues that some senior drivers face. As such, even the most physically active and alert seniors should visit their physician regularly and take an occasional driver assessment test from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
To get more news and updates on Florida traffic safety and personal injury news, check out our legal blog each week.
[Did You Know? Florida’s seniors make up 18 percent of the state’s population, which is the highest percentage in America.]