Safe Driving Tips for Seniors
Even though self-driving comes with freedom, it might expose you to safety risks for older drivers. Old age comes with health-related issues and other physical incapacities. The good news is that you can track any changes in physical fitness, eyesight, and how you adjust to driving and road safety requirements. Whether you are a caregiver, a companion, or a senior, you are well equipped to better a senior's driving ability. Here are some tips for safe driving.
How Aging Affects Safe Driving Capabilities
Abiding by safe driving practices is possible in your productive years. But this changes as you age, based on factors like:
1. Decreased Vision
Eyesight changes with aging; you might have trouble seeing or fail to recognize familiar venues. You might also struggle seeing full glare lights at night, or the sun might be blinding.
2. Trouble Hearing
Hearing capacity also changes as you age. The impairment results in difficulties noticing your vehicle's sirens, horns, and noise.
3. Health Conditions
Driving in your old age could be a big challenge if you have Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, or are battling dementia. You might not decide appropriately or forget what route to take. Caregivers should be keen on patients with health conditions that impede driving abilities.
4. Reduced Motor Reflexes
When you get older, reflexes change, and your response to threatening scenarios might not be quick. Your attention span, too, might be reduced, hence your inability to focus on two things at a time. Weak muscles and joints also reduce the chances of moving quickly.
Consider evaluating your driving skills if:
- You have had misses on familiar roads.
- Almost car-crash episodes
- Have any medical conditions affected your driving skills?
- Unsure which way to go, even on familiar roads
- Violating basic traffic and driving protocols
- When road signs suddenly make you anxious
Safe Driving Tips for Every Senior Driver
Is getting to the next destination frustrating because you are older? Try these tips, and you will enjoy the freedom that comes with being at the steering wheel.
1. Maintain Physical Fitness for Safe Driving
A physically active person can easily navigate driving challenges regardless of their age. For example, you can easily master the steering wheel, check lane movement, and change lanes effectively. Develop a daily routine that will enhance your physical activity.
2. Have Regular Checkups
As hearing and eyesight change with age, book an appointment with your physician for recommendations on improving eyesight and assistance like hearing aids. Patients battling cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma should avoid driving at night. Regular checkups help treat less severe health conditions that might impede your driving skills.
3. Know Your Limitations
Do you have any physical limitations like partial stroke and are recovering? Or do you feel pain in your hands when steering? Occupational therapy and other assistive technologies might be necessary. For example, you might drive better in a vehicle with assistive features that alert you about collisions, blind spots, and changing lanes.
4. Enhance Your Driving Skills
Refresher driving courses are perfect for seniors because they enhance their skills. You'll familiarize yourself with new features (for the latest models) that make driving less stressful. Check your locality for refresher courses that specifically cater to seniors.
5. Mute Your Phone
Using your phone while driving can be a great danger, especially if you cannot concentrate on two activities at once. Turn your phone's silent mode on and avoid answering calls while driving. If you are using your phone for directions, turn on the location tools before driving.
6. Only Drive When You Can
This technique applies to several scenarios, including seniors undergoing treatment. You may not be in good condition to drive after being discharged from the hospital or are from sedation. Avoid driving on unfamiliar roads on your own.
Never drive before seeking an optometrist's input if you struggle with eyesight. Bad weather is something to watch for, especially during the foggy and rainy seasons. Don't drink or use mind-altering drugs and drive.
Learn More About Safe Driving
Older drivers experiencing questions about their driving skills are better off driving with a companion or avoiding driving. Your safety is critical; it would be best to drive in the company of a companion or someone you trust.
Senior Helpers can provide transportation assistance services; we have professional caregivers who have had background checks, hold current state-issued driver's licenses, and possess clean driving records. Try to get to your destination safely.