Just because you get older does not mean that you automatically lose your driving ability. There are many things you can do to stay safe on the road and continue driving. Check out the tips below on how senior citizens can maximize safety while driving.
Check Health Regularly:
- Make sure you are getting your eyes checked every year and that your corrective lenses are current. Keep your mirrors, windshield, and headlights clean so that you can always see clearly.
- Check your hearing annually and wear any prescribed hearing aids while driving. Keeping your car windows closed while driving can prevent drafts that could interfere with hearing aid effectiveness.
- Talk to your doctor regularly about the effects of any illnesses or medications on your driving ability.
- Get enough sleep. This is essential to driving well and staying alert on the road. If you have problems, try to improve nighttime sleeping conditions so that you can be rested.
Get the Right Vehicle:
- Make sure you choose a care that has automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Keep your care in good working condition and always take it in for scheduled maintenance.
- You can be prescribed aids to make driving easier to steer the car or operate the foot pedals by visiting a certified driving rehabilitation specialist or occupational therapist.
Drive Defensively:
- Do not use cell phones or digital music players while driving as they cause distraction.
- Leave adequate space between you and the care in front of you.
- Pay close attention at all intersections.
- Pull over to use any GPS devices and do not operate them while driving.
- Brush up on your driving through a refresher course.
Know Your Limits:
- If you are uncomfortable driving, do not drive.
- Only drive during the day time if you have problems seeing at night.
- Stay off highways if you are not confident driving in fast moving traffic.
- If you cannot handle bad weather driving conditions, avoid being on the road during rainstorms, thunderstorms, snow, hail, or ice.
Listen to Concerns of Others:
- If friends or family start talking about your driving ability it might be time to take a hard, honest look at whether you can safely stay on the road.
