Is It Time to Hang Up Your Keys?

 Posted on May 23, 2023 in Car Accident

The issue of whether it may be time for an ill, injured, or aging driver to hang up their keys is an unquestionably emotional and consequential matter. American car culture and the ways in which most cities and towns have been designed have made it so that owning personal, vehicular transportation is often associated with both freedom and independence. Yet, it cannot be denied that sometimes, despite all the benefits that driving affords, it is a far safer approach for certain drivers to hang up their keys.

Hanging onto one’s keys too long could result in a far-higher risk of a motorist causing a crash. That motorist may end up harming themselves or others. Conversely, insisting that someone hang up their keys when they remain a safe-enough driver to warrant driving privileges can result in diminished dignity, independence, and autonomy due to fear, not logic. As a result, it is very important to exercise objective reasoning when assessing whether someone should continue driving or not.

Health Status and Individual Capacity Are Key

There is no single age at which someone needs to stop driving for their own safety and the safety of others. An individual who has developed early-onset Alzheimer’s may need to stop driving in their late 40s, while a healthy 90-year-old whose health and mental sharpness remain intact could continue to drive without issue.

What is paramount is that all motorists – and their well-meaning loved ones – objectively assess each individual’s health status and capacity for safe driving in objective ways. If someone is becoming increasingly distracted while driving, experiencing delayed reaction times, and having frequent “close calls” that could have turned into crashes had only one or two things gone wrong, it may be time to hang that individual’s keys up. But if someone’s capacity remains strong, it is important to avoid judging age alone as a reason to deny an individual their independence in this way.

Legal Support For Individuals Injured in a Car Accident 

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your losses. Unfortunately, recovering adequate compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company can be much more difficult than many accident victims expect.

An experienced car accident injury lawyer can represent your best interests and handle communications with the insurance company for you. In some cases, the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement, and it is necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit. Through a personal injury lawsuit, compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages may be available.

Speak with a Compassionate Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer 

Arlington Heights, Illinois personal injury lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP at any time about your rights and about any compensation that you may be rightfully owed.  

Our team can be reached at 847-797-8000 or via the contact page on our website at any time. We offer confidential case evaluations for free. It would be our pleasure to work with you and your family.

Source:

https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/when-to-stop-driving-in-older-age/