If you are 60 or older, driving a car may be increasingly difficult because of changes to vision, hearing and reaction time compromising your driving ability, even before becoming aware of symptoms. You may be noticing difficulty judging distances and speed. Bright sunlight or the headlights of oncoming traffic at night may impair your vision.
It gets worse for drivers in their 70s. Studies show that the drivers over 70 face increased risk of injury in an auto accident, and those above 75 face increased risk of fatal crashes, according to AAA.
The following driving tips are aimed at improving reaction time and road safety to help safely keep senior drivers on the road:
Prepare for that Drive
Before starting up the car, perform a quick safety inspection. Keeping your car in good driving condition helps keep you safe. When you get in the car, adjust the seat to a comfortable position that allows optimal road visibility and buckle your seatbelt. If you need a cushion to boost your height, use it. Finally, adjust the side and rear-view mirrors so you can see the road. These measures keep you safe in the car and help you see the road for improved reaction time.
Stay Safe in Poor Weather:
Keep your vehicle tires and windshield wipers in good shape. Ensure that you have windshield-wiper fluid and an ice scraper to keep the windshield clear for best visibility. To reduce the panic that can set in during a skid, learn how to respond to skids that can happen in poor weather.
Stay Safe at Night
When headlights from an oncoming car make it difficult to see the road, look at the white line on the shoulder of the road until the vehicle passes. Push the rear-view mirror down to night settling to minimize glare from vehicles behind you.
Brush up on Defensive Driving
Defensive-driving skills include staying focused and alert while driving, leaving adequate distance between other cars on the road and watching out for what the other driver will do. Find a car insurance quote from policy providers that offer discounts to those who pass defensive-driver courses. Online or in-person courses can boost road confidence for seniors.
Compensate for Slower Reaction Time
Your reaction time slows as you age. Avoid making left-hand turns if possible, because senior drivers get in more accidents turning left than drivers of other ages. If you can plan your route to avoid crowded roads or busy highways, do so.
Avoid Hearing-Related Problems
If you can’t hear well, you may not realize a horn is blaring at you or an emergency vehicle is trying to pass. If you suspect you have hearing loss, talk to your doctor about options such as hearing aids or surgery so that you can continue to drive safely.
Avoid Vision-Related Problems
Eyesight is critical to driving. While you must take vision test when you renew your license, that’s not annual. If you feel your eyesight is declining, visit your eye doctor. Corrective glasses or contacts can reduce many vision-related driving problems.
Reduce the Risk of Interference
Understand how medications may interfere with driving. Speak with your doctor about how medications may impact your driving ability and what options you have to ensure safe driving. If you feel sleepy due to medication, avoid driving.
Author Scott Grayson