The age range of drivers in the state of Connecticut is quite wide. In fact, teenagers can get their license to drive and keep it all the way up until they are no longer physically able to drive. Some states require older drivers, those over the age of 65 years old, to follow some specific guidelines for their license renewal such as a vision test or other driver safety exams. The Nutmeg State has no such restrictions on license renewals for older drivers.
It is for this reason that drivers of a certain age must take their own safety and the safety of those that they share the road with into their own hands so they make sure they are doing everything they can to avoid a Connecticut car accident. Since the state of Connecticut does not require you to take any special tests as you get older, you should consider taking on this responsibility yourself. As you get older you may notice that your reaction times and vision, especially at night, have deteriorated and therefore could present a risk for you while you’re behind the wheel.
Most drivers have not taken any sort of proficiency test or undergone any medical exam to determine their fitness to drive since they were a teenager. It is for this reason that tests like eye exams are so important to keep you safe when you’re driving. Your eye sight is not the only physical restraint that you may face when thinking about whether or not you should drive. Consider some of the following issues that may arise that should sideline you from being a driver.
-
Stiffness and achiness in joints. To some this may seem like a mere nuisance, but when you’re driving, stiffness and achiness can cause serious issues. If you do not have full range of motion of your neck, for instance, you may not be able to turn and look effectively at on-coming traffic.
-
While your eyesight is a major concern with your ability to drive, your hearing should also be something you are aware of when considering when you should give up the keys. Hearing the world around you plays a significant role in your ability to drive your vehicle safely.
-
Slowed reaction times. As you get older you may start to notice that you are not as quick to react to sudden changes as you once were. This can have devastating consequences if you are driving a vehicle, especially at high speeds. If you are having trouble reacting in a timely manner you may think about finding a new way to get around besides you driving.
Along with some health concerns about driving you may also want to brush up on the rules of the road as they have changed in the time since you were a teenager. Taking time to familiarize yourself with any laws that have changed since you earned your license many years ago can help you know how to avoid a Connecticut auto accident and stay in good standing with the law so you don’t receive any tickets or citations.
It doesn’t matter what age you are, if you do not take your health seriously you could find yourself getting injured in an accident that could wind up being quite serious. If you are injured, you may need to speak with an experienced attorney who can review your situation and work with you on protecting your long-term interests.