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People are living longer, fuller lives now than ever before. The average life expectancy has more than doubled since 1900, and, in fact, the lowest end of the current life expectancy range is now higher than the highest life expectancy during the 1800s.
Unfortunately, although people are living longer and medical science is helping us stay more active in later years,time eventually takes its toll. As we age, reflexes slow, chances of hearing impairment increase, and vision worsens. These are all aspects which we depend to be safe drivers, which means we must exercise a higher amount of caution and mindfulness in our driving habits.
In the interest of keeping safety on the road and helping all get the most out of the golden years, here are a few safe driving tips for older drivers:
Monitor and Protect Your Physical Health
Driving is as much a physical activity as a mental one. Aging can mean losing some strength and flexibility enjoyed in younger years. This can make it more difficult to turn the steering wheel or check blind spots.
Staying as active as possible and getting as much exercise as one’s physical condition allows goes a long way towards helping to stay competent and safe drivers. Physical activities also help lower stress levels and remain more mentally alert, both of which are a great help behind the wheel.
Be Aware of Fatigue
Older people tend to tire a little faster, both mentally and physically. Some of the most common medications prescribed to individuals in older age brackets can further exacerbate this increased proneness to fatigue as well.
One way to avoid overexertion is to plan trips ahead. Discussing the side effects of any medications taken with a healthcare professional is another important precaution.
Have Regular Hearing and Vision Tests
Both vision and hearing tend to slip away slowly. This means that abilities may not be as sharp as believed. Having vision and hearing checked on a regular basis and taking appropriate measures to correct any deficiencies helps keep everyone on the road much safer.
Be Aware of Your Limitations
Common sense asserts that more strenuous and intense activities enjoyed in youth shouldn’t necessarily be continued into later years. The same principle applies to driving, to avoid chancy situations when possible.
Increasing following distance, lowering speed, and driving more defensively serves all drivers well, but additionally try to avoid:
Getting older doesn't necessarily mean giving up freedom. It does, however, mean using experience and precaution to compensate for the unique driving challenges that come with the natural aging process.
Unfortunately, although people are living longer and medical science is helping us stay more active in later years,time eventually takes its toll. As we age, reflexes slow, chances of hearing impairment increase, and vision worsens. These are all aspects which we depend to be safe drivers, which means we must exercise a higher amount of caution and mindfulness in our driving habits.
In the interest of keeping safety on the road and helping all get the most out of the golden years, here are a few safe driving tips for older drivers:
Monitor and Protect Your Physical Health
Driving is as much a physical activity as a mental one. Aging can mean losing some strength and flexibility enjoyed in younger years. This can make it more difficult to turn the steering wheel or check blind spots.
Staying as active as possible and getting as much exercise as one’s physical condition allows goes a long way towards helping to stay competent and safe drivers. Physical activities also help lower stress levels and remain more mentally alert, both of which are a great help behind the wheel.
Be Aware of Fatigue
Older people tend to tire a little faster, both mentally and physically. Some of the most common medications prescribed to individuals in older age brackets can further exacerbate this increased proneness to fatigue as well.
One way to avoid overexertion is to plan trips ahead. Discussing the side effects of any medications taken with a healthcare professional is another important precaution.
Have Regular Hearing and Vision Tests
Both vision and hearing tend to slip away slowly. This means that abilities may not be as sharp as believed. Having vision and hearing checked on a regular basis and taking appropriate measures to correct any deficiencies helps keep everyone on the road much safer.
Be Aware of Your Limitations
Common sense asserts that more strenuous and intense activities enjoyed in youth shouldn’t necessarily be continued into later years. The same principle applies to driving, to avoid chancy situations when possible.
Increasing following distance, lowering speed, and driving more defensively serves all drivers well, but additionally try to avoid:
- Rush hour traffic--More vehicleson the road, more impatient drivers rushing around, and heightened stress levels are all good reasons to plan travels before or after high traffic periods.
- Driving at night—The limited visibility due to dark surroundings makes night driving riskier for all drivers to begin with, and then loss of night vision is a normal part of aging. Try to travel during daylight hours to lower the risk of having an accident.
- Inclement weather--Slick roads and limited visibility are no one’s friends. Unless it is absolutely necessary, try to avoid driving in foul weather.
Getting older doesn't necessarily mean giving up freedom. It does, however, mean using experience and precaution to compensate for the unique driving challenges that come with the natural aging process.
