Driving Safety for Seniors and When to Consider Alternatives
It's alarming that seniors tend to drive 7 to 10 years longer than what's safe, according to Kaiser Permanente.
Seniors face challenges such as slower reaction times and health issues. As a result, each ride can put everyone on the road at greater risk.
What should everyone know about driving safety for seniors? Read on for our senior driving guide and signs it's time to stop.
Challenges of Driving for Seniors
As we age, our bodies and minds change, and these changes can affect driving skills. Some common challenges include the following:
- Vision problems: Eyesight often worsens with age, so it may become harder to see road signs or judge distances.
- Slower reaction times: Aging slows the ability to react to unexpected changes on the road quickly.
- Hearing loss: Many seniors find it hard to hear car horns, sirens, or other warning sounds.
- Physical limitations: Stiff joints or weakened muscles can make turning the wheel or pressing pedals difficult.
- Medication side effects: Some medicines can cause drowsiness or confusion, making driving unsafe.
Senior Driving Tips for Staying Safe
There are many ways for seniors to stay safe while driving. Here are some key senior driving tips:
Get Regular Health Checkups
Visit your doctor regularly to check your vision, hearing, and overall health. Make sure to discuss how medications may affect your driving so you can be responsible on the road.
Stay Active
Physical activity is phenomenal at keeping muscles strong and joints flexible. This helps with steering, braking, and looking over your shoulder.
Choose the Right Vehicle
Use a car with features like automatic transmission, power steering, and large mirrors. A vehicle with advanced safety features, like lane assist and backup cameras, is also helpful.
Avoid Distractions
Focus on the road. Avoid using your phone, eating, or doing other distracting activities while driving.
Plan Your Routes
Drive on familiar roads and during daylight. Avoid busy highways or areas that are known to get congested.
Take Driving Courses
Many organizations offer driving refresher courses for seniors. These courses provide tips on safe driving for elderly individuals.
Limit Night Driving
If you find it hard to see in the dark, avoid driving at night. With extremely bright headlights on the rise, many drivers who don't have vision troubles are concerned about not being able to see well when other drivers face them.
Listen to Feedback
If loved ones express concern about your driving, consider their input. It may help you stay safer on the road.
Signs It's Time to Stop Driving
It can be tricky to decide when to stop driving. However, there are clear signs that it may no longer be safe:
Frequent Accidents or Close Calls
If you often bump into objects, get into accidents, or have near-misses, it may be time to consider alternatives. These incidents show that reaction times or judgment may no longer be reliable.
Getting Lost
If you struggle to find your way, even on familiar roads, it's a warning sign. Feeling disoriented while driving can lead to unsafe situations or panic.
Ignoring Traffic Signs or Signals
Missing stop signs or traffic lights can put you and others in danger. This can happen due to slower reactions or reduced focus while driving.
Trouble with Basic Driving Tasks
If turning the wheel, braking, or parking feels hard, it's a concern. These difficulties often indicate reduced physical ability or coordination.
Comments from Others
If friends or family members are worried about your driving, listen to them. Their observations might catch issues you haven't noticed yourself.
Senior Transportation Options
If driving is no longer safe, there are many senior transportation options available. These alternatives help seniors stay mobile and independent:
Public Transportation
Buses, subways, and trains are affordable options. Many cities offer discounts for seniors.
Ridesharing Services
Apps that make it possible to request rides are easy to use. They provide door-to-door rides on demand.
Community Shuttles
Some communities offer shuttle services for seniors. These shuttles often go to popular locations like grocery stores and medical offices.
Walking or Biking
Do you like to stay close to your home when you go out? If so, walking or biking may be a healthy alternative to driving.
Family and Friends
We all need help sometimes, so don't feel shy about asking your loved ones if they could give you a ride every now and then. They may be happy to drive you where you need to go.
Benefits of Alternatives to Driving
Switching to alternatives to driving has many benefits. Here's how your lifestyle could change for the better:
- Safety: Reduces the risk of accidents for seniors and others on the road
- Savings: No more car-related expenses like gas, insurance, or maintenance
- Health: Walking or biking provides physical activity, which improves health
- Social interaction: Using shared transportation can help seniors meet new people
Talking About Elderly Driver Safety with Loved Ones
Discussing driving safety with elderly family members can be sensitive. Here's how to make it a bit easier:
Choose the Right Time
Talk when you're both calm and can focus on the topic. Seniors who are in the middle of something important won't be in the right headspace to talk about this sticky subject.
Be Respectful
Show empathy and understanding. Acknowledge that giving up driving is hard.
Use Specific Examples
Share concerns about recent incidents or behaviors. For example, "I noticed you had trouble seeing the stop sign last week."
Offer Solutions
Discuss senior transportation options that can help maintain independence. Not being able to drive doesn't have to be such a big loss.
Involve a Professional
A doctor or driving specialist can provide an unbiased opinion. This could help both parties set their emotions aside.
Driving Safety for Seniors Has to Be a Priority
Having a car allows seniors to stay independent, but driving safety for seniors must come first. With the right senior transportation options, life after driving can still be full and fulfilling.
Joining a senior living community in Collinsville, IL, can give seniors everything they need even if they don't have access to a car. When you stay at Addington Place of Collinsville, you'll love having a full social calendar, top-notch amenities, and a caring community. Contact us to learn how we take care of everything so you don't have to worry.