Getting behind the wheel as an older driver is a sensitive subject. Despite the fact that everyone ages differently, there’s no denying that the normal effects of aging do affect peoples’ ability to drive. It’s not only important to understand what the potential risks for senior drivers are, but how and when to change driving habits deserves consideration and discussion too.
Senior drivers are more likely to get into accidents than any other age group, and statistics show they are more likely to receive tickets for running stop signs and lights, failing to yield and turning improperly. Those facts, in combination with statistics that indicate that seniors are more likely to require hospitalization or die because of an accident, make it clear why senior citizen drivers need to realistically assess their driving abilities.
A driving evaluation for seniors can help to provide an objective assessment of your driving abilities. Organizations like the American Association of Retired People (AARP) can help you locate driver evaluations in your area. But even before you take the evaluation, you should consider these driver safety tips.
* Find the right car for you. It’s important that you can easily reach the seatbelt, read and understand the instrument panel and use the seat adjustments. Also be sure that it is easy for you to use the rear view mirror and side mirrors so that you can see what’s going on around you without having to strain or lean. Seniors often sit lower in the car seat, and lose strength in their hands, which can affect their ability to see over the dashboard or properly grip the steering wheel. If you have some of these problems, there are driving aids available that can help your current car fit you better.
* Give yourself room and pay attention to other traffic. Reaction time naturally slows with aging, so it’s more important than ever to observe the rule of keeping two car lengths distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you find that, while on the highway, cars are passing you on the right and left, move carefully over into the slow lane. Driving too slowly can be dangerous if it is obstructing the flow of traffic.
* Avoid distractions. Paying attention to the road is of the utmost importance, and seniors often discover their reactionary time isn’t as quick as it was when they were teenagers. Keep focused to stay safe.
