Senior citizens face an interesting challenge when it comes to driving and safety. Though still wild at heart, the aging body may tell a different story. In addition to physical changes, driving has changed significantly in recent decades, and that can lead to unique and unforeseen complications.
Overall, older adults are relatively safe and conscientious drivers. However, for some, the physical changes of aging can interfere with driving responsibly. Senior drivers can compensate for the factors of aging that interfere with safe driving and adapt certain safe practices to prolong the ability to drive.
How to drive safe as you age
The three primary areas of concern for seniors who drive are vision, hearing, and response time. It’s also important to remember that you should always talk to your doctor about whether your medications will affect your driving ability. Though often overlooked, many medications can seriously impair judgment and reflexes. Here are a few easy tips for staying safe when driving:
- Have your vision checked regularly and keep the prescription current on any corrective lenses you may wear. It is also a good idea to keep your mirrors clean, change wiper blades often, turn up the lights on your control panel (usually by turning a small knob near the speedometer), and be sure to use defrost any time your windows begin to fog over.
- If hearing becomes an issue, check with your doctor and look into hearing aids if necessary. Keep music and other audible distractions to a minimum so that you are better able to hear horns and emergency vehicles approaching.
- With an increasing number of physical aid devices, limited mobility can now be accommodated in a variety of ways. Check with your doctor or an occupational therapist about options or modifications to your vehicle that could make driving easier for you while increasing your effectiveness on the road.
- Find a car that fits your needs. The latest developments in automobiles allow for a wide variety of options from power windows, locks and steering to seats that can “remember” your favorite driving position.
- Before heading out, plan your trip wisely and look for alternate routes. If you’re unsure of how to arrive at your destination, call for directions. For those of us who are technologically savvy, Global Positioning Devices (GPS) are a fun and easy way to do trip planning. Simply enter your destination and it will lead you there with step-by-step instructions.
- Don’t follow other vehicles too closely, especially at higher speeds. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to slow down in the event traffic comes to a sudden stop. By allowing a large distance between you and the car in front of you, you will have time to react to any number of situations safely and effectively.
- If you prefer to maintain a leisurely speed when traveling on high-speed roads, be courteous of the drivers around you by staying in the right lane.
Tips for driving at night
Regardless of age, driving at night presents a unique set of challenges. Avoiding an accident usually requires quick response times and sharp vision, both of which can be hindered by nighttime driving. Because safety is so important, we’ve compiled a list of items to help you avoid potential nighttime hazards.
- Keep your headlights, taillights, windshield and side windows clean (inside and out). This will ensure you have an unobstructed view of your surroundings.
- When in doubt, drive with your lights on (in high traffic areas, only use your low beams as a courtesy to other drivers). While having your lights on at twilight may not aid your ability to see, it will increase the likelihood that others can see you.
- It is more challenging to judge distances and speed in the dark so adjust your speed accordingly and allow for greater space between you and the car in front of you. Keep in mind, though, that driving too slow can also pose a danger.
- Falling asleep at the wheel is a leading cause of accidents. Never operate a vehicle if you’ve taken medication that causes drowsiness or fatigue. Take breaks often to help you remain awake and alert.
- If the headlights of oncoming vehicles are too bright or bother your eyes, remember to look down and to the right to help deflect the light. Using the right side of the road as a guide can help keep you on the road without jeopardizing your vision.
- It’s a good idea to have access to a cell phone in the event of an emergency. But avoid talking or using your phone while driving, especially at night. If you need to make a call or use your phone, find a safe place to pull over beforehand.
Conclusion
Whether you enjoy the freedom of the open road or simply drive around town for weekly errands, it’s important to remember that certain adjustments need to be made in order to accommodate changing physical abilities. With a few simple changes, it is easy to increase your chances of staying safe and alert.
