Age can have gradual affects upon elderly drivers, and the warning signs can be so minor at first that nobody notices that your beloved family member is having difficulty driving safely. However, if not addressed immediately, these issues can escalate and eventually the senior driver may cause serious injuries to others on the road.

In order to avoid facing a South Dakota personal injury claim, watch for the following:

1. Medications: If your elderly loved one is taking several medications, the side effects may be serious and include drowsiness, confusion, memory loss or other similar symptoms that impair driving.
2. Primary Senses: Eyesight and hearing deteriorate with age; these senses are integral for safe driving, as the driver must be able to see the road, traffic lights, and signs, as well as hear important cues, such as cars honking or emergency personnel.
3. Reflexes: Drivers must be able to brake quickly or make a sudden turn of the wheel to avoid an accident, as well as turn their necks to see other cars and obstructions on the road.
4. Close Calls: Too many "near misses" is another warning sign that the senior driver's age may be affecting driving; "near misses" include almost hitting a mailbox, a parked car, the garage or a curb. This is a sign that the driver may have decreased depth perception.

For additional information, please read the library article South Dakota Personal Injury Attorney's Key Steps for Elderly Drivers, available on our website.

If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident, contact a South Dakota personal injury lawyer at Zimmer, Duncan & Cole. Our experienced South Dakota personal injury attorneys have been representing clients involved in car accidents throughout the state since 1948. Contact our office toll free at (888) 733-2992 and also order a copy of our free book, The Ultimate Guide to Car and Truck Accident Cases in South Dakota: 7 Deadly Sins That Can Wreck Your Injury Claim, available on our website.