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.
As we age, our bodies and minds change, and these changes can affect driving skills. Some common challenges include the following:
There are many ways for seniors to stay safe while driving. Here are some key senior driving tips:
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.
Physical activity is phenomenal at keeping muscles strong and joints flexible. This helps with steering, braking, and looking over your shoulder.
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.
Focus on the road. Avoid using your phone, eating, or doing other distracting activities while driving.
Drive on familiar roads and during daylight. Avoid busy highways or areas that are known to get congested.
Many organizations offer driving refresher courses for seniors. These courses provide tips on safe driving for elderly individuals.
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.
If loved ones express concern about your driving, consider their input. It may help you stay safer on the road.
It can be tricky to decide when to stop driving. However, there are clear signs that it may no longer be safe:
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.
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.
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.
If turning the wheel, braking, or parking feels hard, it's a concern. These difficulties often indicate reduced physical ability or coordination.
If friends or family members are worried about your driving, listen to them. Their observations might catch issues you haven't noticed yourself.
If driving is no longer safe, there are many senior transportation options available. These alternatives help seniors stay mobile and independent:
Buses, subways, and trains are affordable options. Many cities offer discounts for seniors.
Apps that make it possible to request rides are easy to use. They provide door-to-door rides on demand.
Some communities offer shuttle services for seniors. These shuttles often go to popular locations like grocery stores and medical offices.
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.
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.
Switching to alternatives to driving has many benefits. Here's how your lifestyle could change for the better:
Discussing driving safety with elderly family members can be sensitive. Here's how to make it a bit easier:
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.
Show empathy and understanding. Acknowledge that giving up driving is hard.
Share concerns about recent incidents or behaviors. For example, "I noticed you had trouble seeing the stop sign last week."
Discuss senior transportation options that can help maintain independence. Not being able to drive doesn't have to be such a big loss.
A doctor or driving specialist can provide an unbiased opinion. This could help both parties set their emotions aside.
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.