The question of whether a person’s age should stop them from driving is a highly contentious one. On the one hand, driving is the ultimate symbol of independence that provides us as humans with greater mobility and freedom to get around our surroundings.
However, with age comes increased driving risks. It is important to ensure that both your safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians are maintained at all times, so here are a few tips to help elderly drivers remain on the road safely:
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Keep physically fit
Maintaining your physical capabilities as you age is key to remaining safe behind the wheel. For instance, having strength and flexibility is what helps drivers to steer the car, look over their shoulder when changing lanes and react quickly to hazards. Try to find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine through walking, yoga, and some basic strength-building exercises.
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Have regular eyesight checks
There is no question that key senses like hearing and vision tend to decline with age. Age-related eyesight issues such as cataracts and glaucoma can make it difficult to see clearly or drive at night. Ensure you have regular eye tests, as problems are easier to correct early, and your optometrist or ophthalmologist is also able to recommend timely adjustments to reduce risks.
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Be mindful of your medication
Chances are that as you’ve gotten older, you’ve started to take more medication. Whether it;s pain medication, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or even just a basic cold remedy, many drugs have the potential to affect a person’s driving ability. It is important to be aware of the medication you are on and any adverse side effects these could induce. Never get behind the wheel if you are feeling drowsy or dizzy or after taking medication that warns about drowsiness as a side effect.
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Make sure your car is roadworthy
When it comes to road accidents, it is not always the driver or drivers at fault. Sometimes the machinery plays its part too. It really makes sense for all drivers, not just seniors, to stay on top of their car maintenance, taking their vehicle in for regular checks to ensure everything is working order. Everything from tire tread to brake sufficiency and steering capacity has the potential to make a difference when it comes to your safety on the road.
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Pack an emergency kit
When the worst-case scenario does happen, you need to be fully prepared. Accidents happen to the best drivers, especially the elderly. Even if you are an experienced motorist, nothing can prepare you for a medical emergency while driving. Still, it’s important to have all the essential items that can help prevent more serious situations.
Apart from investing in medical alert devices that notify you of any medical emergency that’s waiting to happen, you should bring along a first aid kit. Fill it with bandages, emergency medication, antibiotics, and tools like scissors and a whistle, which might come in handy if an accident pins you down in the driver’s seat.
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Be selective of your driving routes
To reduce road hazard risks, choose simpler and safer routes. Avoid highways, interstates, busy roads, or any route with numerous street changes or intersections. Stay within your neighborhood or select roads that are well-traveled, with proper lighting, and without obstructions.
If you need to travel for long hours, plan your driving route before leaving, and remember to stop often. Refrain from driving at night, during adverse weather, or in any condition that limits your road visibility. Always research your destination’s traffic updates and weather forecasts, especially if traveling to a new area.
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Avoid distractions
Distracted driving can cause accidents. Avoid multitasking and keep your eyes on the road. Never use your phone, eat, drive, or do any endeavors that require you to remove your hands from the wheel. Inform your passengers not to disturb you and to be mindful of their actions. If you feel sleepy or restless, stop at a safe location and rest.
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Take a refresher course
Even if you’re a seasoned driver, taking a refresher class can significantly help you enhance your driving skills. Look for driving initiatives dedicated to older adults. Enrolling in these programs can help reinforce good driving habits and increase your driving confidence.
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Drive a senior-friendly vehicle
Driving during your golden years is challenging, so choosing a senior-friendly car that can help make the entire endeavor more manageable is essential. If your current vehicle is no longer road-suitable, it would be best to replace it. Search for car models with features that can minimize the chances of vehicular collisions and assist you during parking.
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Be realistic
While driving may provide you with a sense of freedom, you must be honest about your driving abilities. Assess your skills and acknowledge your weaknesses. If you tend to get lost, cannot slow down or completely stop at traffic lights, constantly forget to signal, and cannot stay at a safe distance between vehicles, it might be time for you to retire from driving.
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Seek help
If you don’t want to give up driving altogether, you must ask for help from your loved ones. For instance, if you have difficulty driving at night or need to travel long distances, ask a trusted relative to accompany you or take over the driving responsibilities. Not asking for assistance, especially when you need it most, can place you, your passengers, and other drivers in jeopardy.
Aging is an inevitable part of life. Driving for many of us is synonymous with independence, and it’s understandable that as we grow old, we desperately want to hold onto certain freedoms associated with this type of mobility. Not all is lost, however, as it is clear that there are some proactive steps that the elderly can take to not only maintain the capacities needed for driving but also to understand their natural limitations too. Finally, understanding where to get the best help, whether it be in terms of getting a vehicle serviced or knowing your legal rights in the event of an accident, is also incredibly important when it comes to seniors remaining in control of their affairs.