Safer Driving For Seniors

In Windsor, a 67-year old man died in a solo vehicle crash when his black Volvo SUV drifted off the highway and ended up in a ditch on Shiloh Road.

Authorities speculate that the man may have suffered a medical emergency while driving which caused him to lose control of his vehicle.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s estimates, by 2020, the number of senior citizens in California will double, which could also relatively increase the incident rates of elderly drivers being involved in road accidents.

Aging is an inevitable process and sooner or later, even the best drivers would succumb to the decline of their physical, cognitive, and visual abilities which in turn will seriously affect their driving capabilities.

Even physically and mentally fit elderly drivers may become a road hazard because of the medication they take.

However in terms of fatalities, drivers aged 75 and older kill fewer pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists and are mostly a danger to themselves and their passengers.

In order to curb the incidence of fatal car crashes involving senior citizens, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the CHP and the American Automobile Association are offering driving courses to help elderly drivers such as:

• Stay Vital seminar – A refresher course on traffic safety rules, driving scenarios and tips to improve drivers' comfort and safety.

• AAA Online Mature Driver Course – Aims to reduce the risk of traffic collisions and violations.

• CarFit – A program which helps older drivers adjust their seat and vehicle to improve their comfort and safety.

• Drive Sharp – An online program which uses a brain-fitness training program to help drivers be more alert.

• Mature Driver Improvement Course – This course provides instruction, specifically tailored to older drivers, regarding defensive driving and California motor vehicle laws.

Under Threat for Vehicle Crash

Vehicle crash seemed an every day sight in the freeways and streets of America. The effect and consequences of the crash bring different outcome to the victims and their loved ones. Feelings of shock, pain, anguish or outrage is rather common.

When the victim of a vehicle crash is a beneficial member of the society, the effect is more disappointing and regretful.

Sergeant Curtis Massey was driving east on his way to work when he was struck by a Toyota Camry driven by Van Nuys traveling the wrong side of the road. The incident claimed the life of Massey, a dedicated policeman and a medal of Valor recipient who devotes his free time working with at-risk teens.

Massey’s fellow colleagues have all good words and praises for him. His life had been short lived because of the careless and irresponsible driving ethics of Van Nuys.

Reports failed to mention whether Nuys is under the influence or not. However, the fact that Nuys drove at the opposite direction of the lane where Massey’s car at manifested extreme carelessness on his part.

Many innocent lives had been cut short not to mention families left in uncertainty and desperation because of the accident.

We share the road with millions of people who may be great contributors to the welfare and advancement of society. Just think of what we could lose if they would only die without any reason.

Samaritans in the Freeway, Beware

Freeway crashes are fatal and sometimes, could end up in disasters and unnecessary loss of lives. In many fatal freeway accidents, the victims are likely to suffer serious injuries or death.

As vehicle crashes are truly devastating; a freeway accident may lead to another as shown in the article, “Freeway Accidents are Often Fatal: Contact a Los Angeles Injury Lawyer”, posted on October 17, 2008.

According to this article, a motorist lost control of the vehicle and crashed. As another motorist tried to stop over to help the victim, a utility truck struck the car followed by another truck. As a result, the female driver died while the Samaritan motorist, who was just trying to help, suffered serious injuries.

A freeway accident can be twice more dangerous as in other places like city streets or minor roads. The extreme speeds of vehicles while they travel on the freeway make it a truly dangerous place, discounting all other factors such as weather conditions and vehicle malfunction.

Thus, for people who get involve in minor accidents and those who are willing to lend a hand, they must see to it first that their vehicles have been moved safely to the side of the road before exposing themselves to traffic.

If you happen to get stuck in the middle of traffic with a malfunctioning car, be sure to put up an early warning device at a safe distance from your vehicle to warn oncoming vehicles of the emergency. You can also put on your vehicle signal lights on hazard mode.

Getting involved in a vehicle accident, especially a freeway crash, is truly difficult – sometimes, devastating. But if you happen to be involved in one, consulting with a car accident lawyer can help you recover from the injuries that you may incur from it.