Warning! Here Are 7 Driving Safety Tips For Senior Drivers

Senior drivers are spending more time on the road and, like any other age group, they are exposed to crashes in general.

The increased number of crash fatalities of this age group indicates that drivers who are 70 years old and above are more vulnerable to car injuries, and are more likely to suffer of medical complications leading to death.

As you get older, you’ll start noticing that your body changes and making certain maneuvers becomes even more challenging.

Driving can be difficult at times, especially for this age group, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work on your safety.

Here are 7 driving safety tips for senior drivers that will make you keep your car and stop quitting.

Prioritize your physical wellbeing

Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you cannot stay physically active and take it as a lifestyle. Keeping active helps you handle the steering wheel and adds flexibility to your body when driving.

If you don’t know where to start, try going for a walk and turn it into habit.

Other activities including stretching and training exercises are good options to keep active as well. If you’ve been inactive for a while, talk to your doctor and get an approval.

Consider vision and hearing tests with your doctor

Aging does not only bring changes to our body but also impacts your vision and hearing.

Impaired hearing can be dangerous for drivers who may not be able to hear other vehicles making their way past them. Having vision problems also alter our ability to drive at night and spot any potential danger.

For that reason, visit your doctor and request a vision and hearing test to determine whether you are fit to hit the road. Your doctor could advice on driving during certain hours depending upon your results.

Let your doctor advice you on other medical complications

Senior drivers are also vulnerable to other medical complications that increases the chances of getting involved in a car accident.

Chronic conditions including diabetes or seizures could impact your safety while on the road. Having said that, follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan in order to drive safely.

You are also advised to consult your doctor or pharmacist about the effects that your prescribed medication has on your driving.

Make sure you are fit to drive and the roads are in good conditions

Driving safely is also a matter of planning before anything else. You are less likely to crash when the roads are quiet, the weather is good, and driving during the daytime.

More importantly, make sure you are also in good condition to drive, otherwise avoid sitting behind the wheel and take public transportation.

If you drunk alcohol or took mind-altering substances, including marijuana for medical use, you must also refrain from driving.

Put your phone down

Distracted driving is an issue that affect drivers regardless of age and background. Senior drivers must take preventive actions to stay safe while on the road.

Before driving, plan your journey and avoid checking your phone for directions and other notifications.

If you are using GPS, enter your destination before hitting the road so you don’t have to be inevitably distracted.

Stay committed to your driving and discard other things that could potentially reduce your focus on the road.

Register for a driving course

Refresher driving courses for senior drivers are always a good idea because you have the chance to test your ability to drive defensively.

Not only will you be able to polish your skills, but you will also have the chance of getting a discount on your insurance depending on your policy.

Driving courses are great for senior drivers who aren’t confident about their ability to stay safe while on the road.

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