Each Florida driver is responsible for the choices he or she makes behind the wheel. When you think about reckless or negligent choices a person can make that can cause harm to others, you may think about things such as drunk driving, distracted driving and speeding. In reality, it can be just as dangerous for people with certain medical conditions to get behind the wheel.
There are certain types of medical conditions and illnesses that can significantly impact what a person can do safely. This includes driving. One specific medical condition that can be dangerous is glaucoma, which is an issue that impacts a person’s vision. It is especially prevalent in older people, affecting their side and peripheral vision.
What’s so dangerous about glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a vision problem that affects many people, and while there are ways to treat it, it currently has no cure. A recent study looked at people age 60 and older who have this condition and tracked their progress over time in order to see how it impacts their ability to drive. Each person involved had five different appointments over the course of the study. At the time of the initial appointment, around 6% of participants said they had already been involved in a car accident.
Over the course of the study, that percentage went up. This is perhaps due to a worsening of the condition and a lowered ability to safely see while driving. It’s hard for older individuals to reach a point where they admit they can no longer drive, but this is an important step for some people with glaucoma. When vision problems affect driving, getting behind the wheel is irresponsible and reckless.
The role of the family
It’s important for families to help their loved ones when they reach a point where they can no longer drive safely. The is true for older individuals, but it is especially important for people who have specific types of medical conditions, no matter their age. It can be tough to take the keys from someone, but there is enough evidence to suggest that people with glaucoma have an increased chance of being involved in an accident.
When a person with a condition that impacts his or her ability to drive gets behind the wheel while knowing the risks involved with this decision, he or she could be liable for any damages caused. If you are the victim of an accident caused by another driver and a medical condition could be to blame, you may want to seek an understanding of your legal options as soon as possible.