Safe Driving For Seniors

There is a popular misconception that senior drivers are a hazard on the highways. Fortunately, the facts state otherwise. Statistics compiled by public and private transportation agencies report that people aged 65 and older are historically the safest drivers on the roads today. The one caveat for concern is that although senior drivers are involved in fewer accidents, they suffer more injuries and deaths as a percentage of the total population.
If you are an older driver or have one in your family, there are ways to increase vehicular safety in ways that minimize the likelihood of preventable accidents. Decisions about someone’s ability to drive safely should never be based solely on age, but it is smart to periodically evaluate how issues with aging may impact driving capabilities. Vision, physical fitness and reflex time can diminish over time, so it is important to be aware of any such changes and how they might impact older drivers’ safety.
Be Aware Of Your State of Health When Driving
There is no question that certain medical conditions make it unsafe to drive. Physical changes such as stiff joints and muscles, trouble seeing, and difficulty hearing can slow reaction time and reflexes, thus contributing to a greater possibility of an accident happening. Common medications that many older adults take can make them feel sleepy, lightheaded, or less alert. This is why you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist about how prescribed medications may impact your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Cognitive issues associated with aging can also impact the ability to drive safely. People with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia often do not know they have problems driving. They may forget how to drive to familiar destinations, including back home. Since dementia is a progressive disease, there will come a time to take away the car keys because they can no longer safely drive. Cognitive issues affect decision-making skills that are critical for safe driving, so be on the alert for them before they become that cause of an accident.
Safe Driving Tips For Seniors
If you are an older adult concerned about how issues with health and aging are impacting your ability to drive, be aware that you can still operate a motor vehicle safely if you just make some simple, smart choices. Following is a list of tips that can keep you mobile and safe on the road:
• Discuss driving with your health care providers. Know what you can and cannot do safely while driving your car and how medications can affect your driver awareness.
• Exercise regularly. Maintaining optimal muscle strength and flexibility will enable you to react quicker to challenges you may encounter when behind the wheel.
• Get yearly vision and hearing examinations. Being able to see and hear well can prevent accidents before they happen. If you wear glasses, contacts or hearing aids, always use them when driving and if possible, keep spares in your glove compartment in case of emergencies.
• Plan your trips wisely. If driving gets you stressed, avoid doing so during rush hour periods or when the weather is inclement. Drive in daylight whenever possible, especially if your have night vision concerns. Plot your trip so you can bypass busy, high-speed roadways and always leave in plenty of time to arrive at your destination, so you are never forced to drive fast.
• Wear your seat belt. Always. No exception, ever.
• Avoid distractions. Don’t eat or drink when driving. If you must use your cellphone, do so only hands-free with voice activation. Never text when behind the wheel. Texting is not only unsafe, but illegal.
• Keep your car serviced regularly. Balding tires, worn brakes, and other maintenance related car issues can increase your chance of being in a car crash, so have your vehicle inspected regularly to identify problems because they become the cause of an accident.
• Have your driving capabilities assessed. This can be done informally by family or friends or professionally by various auto organizations or government agencies. Take their feedback seriously and don’t argue with their recommendations. Their primary concern is your safety.
• Never drink and drive. You may think that one glass of wine at a friendly luncheon is okay, but as you get older, your ability to metabolize alcohol decreases. Be safe and just say no.
Consider All Your Transportation Options
If you are worried about how to get around if you can’t drive for whatever reason, there is plenty of help available. Contact your local area agencies on aging for referrals to senior transportation providers, some of which may drive you to where you need to go and back at no or low cost. If you need to run errands locally, you may want to consider ordering what you need by phone or online and taking advantage of home delivery services that are available in most communities today.
Being a safe driver is important at an age but for seniors, being aware of the physiological and cognitive changes that occur as you grow older can make the roads safer for everyone.