South Dakota Personal Injury Attorney’s Key Steps for Elderly Drivers

Driving is a sign of independence and freedom. But as drivers age, their driving habits change. This happens, in part, due to declining eyesight, decreased reaction time, increased use of medications, and pain and stiffness in the muscles. According to statistics, senior drivers are most likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes in South Dakota. In fact, at age 65 the risk of being in a car crash starts to increase, with a sharp rise once the driver is 75 years of age.

South Dakota personal injury claims against older drivers are increasing due to the growing number of car accidents caused by elderly drivers. Senior drivers have more of a tendency to:

• 1. Drift within the lane;
• 2. Respond slowly to changes in situations on the roads;
• 3. Become confused and indecisive at intersections.

Each of these issues causes other drivers to respond abruptly, oftentimes triggering a chain reaction of motor vehicle accidents.

In South Dakota, the Division of Motor Vehicles has set forth the following important steps for senior drivers so that they can remain on the road:

1. License Renewal: All drivers in South Dakota must renew their licenses at the time they expire. A driver may be asked to take a written knowledge test, in addition to the vision test, at the time of renewal.
2. Vision Test: When renewing a license in person, the driver will be asked to undergo a vision test. The standard is at least 20/40 in both eyes.
3. Medical Examination: The Division of Motor Vehicles may ask for a medical statement to be completed by the driver's physician indicating that the person is safe to drive. This may be based on prior medical issues, such as seizures.
4. DMV Re-examination: If a person's driving skills are in question, based on the driver's physical or mental condition or prior driving record, or if a re-examination is requested by a family member, physician, or peace officer, this will include an evaluation of the driver by an approved hearing officer. The re-examination consists of an interview, a vision test (if the vision is in question), a written test, and a driving test. The hearing officer will then determine if the driver is eligible to drive or if restrictions should be placed on his or her ability to drive.

It is important to note that in South Dakota, restricted drivers' licenses are issued due to specific conditions, such as poor vision, coordination, and flexibility. Common restrictions include required eyeglasses, driving sunrise to sunset only, barring freeway driving, and extra support in order to ensure the correct driving position.

South Dakota personal injuries can be caused by a driver of any age, so caution must always be taken when out on the road. If you or a loved one has been in a collision, contact a South Dakota personal injury attorney at Zimmer, Duncan & Cole. Call the law office toll free at (888) 733-2992, or complete the contact form on this page to speak with a South Dakota personal injury lawyer. You also can 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, which is available on our website.