Let's face it: aging impacts the stuff that makes us safe behind the wheel. Though some people find it necessary to stop driving as they get older, you don't necessarily have to stop hitting the road. As an elderly driver, here are some tips to keep you safe when you hit the gas pedal:
Look out for your eyesight.
Certain eye conditions and medications that can impede your ability to focus or hamper your peripheral vision. Other eyesight issues that can arise as you age are light-sensitivity, blurred sight, or difficult with night vision. You want to be sure that you can clearly see road signs and traffic lights from a reasonable distance, and that you can fully see the motions of the drivers around you.
How's your hearing?
If you’ve started to experience decreased hearing sharpness, this could be dangerous on the road. Drivers need a strong hearing ability in order to pick up on the many audio cues of the road, like sirens, horns, squealing breaks or accelerating engines.
Watch out for changes in your reflexes and reaction time.
The ability to react quickly is a crucial skill for safe driving. If you find that you’re taking a longer time to process events and, as a result, reacting more slowly, this is an important warning sign that you may need to reduce your driving, get help, or possibly stop altogether.
Be mindful of your memory.
If you find yourself forgetting familiar routes or basic driving functions (like using turn signals, for example), pay attention to these changes. Have a doctor evaluate your memory issues before getting back on the road.
Staying safe means paying attention to your body. If you see your doctor regularly, you can feel great about revving your engine and hitting the road. Happy driving!
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