Senior Safety Driving Tips


As the years go along, it is normal for a person’s driving abilities to change. It is important to watch for any warning signs to adjust properly so that you and others on the road can remain safe. Follow these tips to drive successfully in your senior years:
Be Aware of How Aging Affects Your Driving
Understanding that conditions, medications, and normal aging issues may diminish your reaction time, impair your hearing and decrease your vision. While driving you may find that:
-Reduced mobility or pain in your neck can make it harder to look around while switching lanes, merging into traffic or looking out for pedestrians.
-It may become more difficult to pay attention to traffic signs, drivers, and pedestrians while driving.
-Leg stiffness or pain may make it difficult to switch quickly from the gas to brake pedal.
-Reduced arm strength may make the steering wheel harder to manage.
Take special care with any new medications that you may take; each one can affect your mental and physical state. Ask your doctor if any medication will affect your motor skills, and consult with online sources such as RoadsideRX provided by AAA to receive individualized and confidential information on how your medications can affect you.
Increase Your Defensive Driving Skills
Make sure that you leave adequate space between you and other cars while driving with traffic. Give yourself extra time to brake, especially when driving on wet or icy roads. Avoid using a GPS system, phone or music player when driving; pull over when you use any devices.
Maintain Your Health
Be sure to get adequate rest and consult a doctor regarding any nighttime conditions that may interfere with that. Make sure that the prescription for your eyeglasses is current, and make sure that that windshield is always clean to provide optimum visibility. Get your hearing checked annually, and always drive with your hearing aid if you require one.
Car Selection, Maintenance, and Alterations
Cars with power steering, an automatic transmission and power brakes are the best cars for seniors. Consult a certified driving rehabilitation specialist or an occupational therapist that can provide medical equipment that makes it easier to use pedals and use the steering wheel. Make sure that you always take the car in for regular checkups with your mechanic and make sure that your headlights are properly working. Windows should be regularly cleaned to optimize visibility.
Be Honest With Yourself
Stay away from situations that make you uncomfortable. If you are not completely comfortable with driving during bad weather or in hectic traffic, do not do it. Opt to drive only in the daytime if nighttime driving becomes too difficult. Plan your route before undertaking an unfamiliar area so that you can concentrate on your safety. If your family and friends begin to show concern about your driving, take their advice and opt for a driving refresher course along with doctor consultation

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