Seniors, getting older doesn’t make you a bad driver but there are
changes that may affect driving skills over time. By becoming aware of
these changes, knowing the warning signs that age is interfering with
your driving safety and incorporating safe driving practices you can continue
driving safely long into your senior years.
Affects of aging that impact the abilities of elderly drivers:
- A slowdown in response time
- A loss of clarity in vision and hearing
- A loss of muscle strength and flexibility
- Drowsiness due to medications
- A reduction in the ability to focus or concentrate
Warning signs that age is interfering with driving, according to the
AARP, include:
- Almost crashing, frequent close calls
- Getting lost, especially in familiar locations
- Trouble following traffic signals, road signs and pavement markings
- Slow response time
- Becoming easily distracted or difficulty concentrating
Tips for safe driving at advanced ages:
- Avoid driving at night and, if possible, at dawn or dusk
- Drive only to familiar locations
- Avoid driving to places far away from home
- Avoid expressways (freeways) and rush hour traffic
- Leave plenty of time to get where they are going
- Don’t drive alone
Driving is an important element in maintaining one’s independence,
be proactive now by discussing your driving ability (e.g. visual, cognitive
and physical) with your family physician or healthcare provider during
annual visits. Check out resources such as
AARP and
AAA for more information on safe driving practices and tools to help you evaluate
your driving ability.