Medical Conditions That Increase Your Car Accident Risks
A new year causes many people to make resolutions about improving their health. Eating right, exercising regularly, and managing any underlying conditions you suffer can help you feel more energetic and even add years to your life. It can also reduce your risks for car accidents, which can result in serious personal injuries for you and others involved. The recent traffic death of an Aiken man, which is being attributed to an underlying medical condition, serves as a precaution to other drivers to protect their health. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common medical conditions that increase your car accident risks.
Car Accidents Caused By Underlying Medical Conditions
According to a January 13, 2020 news report by the Aiken Standard, a 47-year-old local man was discovered unconscious after a minor crash on the eastbound ramp to I-20 from Walton Way Extension. Police were alerted to a disabled motorist and pulled over to help the man. There was some damage to the car, indicating a crash or collision occurred, but there were no witnesses and no other drivers at the scene. He was rushed to Doctor’s Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced deceased. Police are attributing the accident and his condition to an underlying medical issue. Fortunately, no other motorists were involved.
Undiagnosed and untreated health conditions are a common cause of crashes and collisions. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), medical issues are a contributing factor in close to 10 percent of all car accidents. Among the most common problems include:
Alcoholism
Arthritis
Dementia
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma
Multiple sclerosis
Nervous system disorders
Parkinson’s disease
Sleep apnea
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Reduce Your Car Accident Risks
While the American Automobile Association (AAA) warns that older adults are most at risk,
medical conditions can arise at any age which makes you a danger to yourself and others while behind the wheel. Ways you can reduce the potential for car accidents include:
Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking. In addition to using precaution when taking prescription medicines, be aware that some over the counter products can impact your driving as well.
Avoid driving yourself to and from medical appointments. While you may not want to get a ride for a routine visit, use caution if there is a chance of a blood draw or other types of testing. Use a cab, ridesharing service, or ask a friend to drive.
Be aware of the symptoms associated with your condition. Even if you are not experiencing them now, they could crop up suddenly in the future.
Not driving may seem like a major inconvenience, but it can help to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Get Legal Help Today
With deep experience in car accident cases, the Surasky Law Firm, LLC helps injured victims get the compensation they need to recover. To discuss your options in filing a claim, contact our office to request a consultation today.
