Safety first always!

As we age, our habits change, we may reach for less sugary cereals, gravitate toward more comfortable clothing, and begin to drive a little differently. Young drivers tend to be more reckless; they drive fast and are more risky with their driving maneuvers. Older drivers tend to drive more cautiously but can still benefit from following some road safety tips. And with these 5 road safety tips for seniors, you’ll be driving like a pro.

 

Road Safety Tips

 

More and more folks over the age of 65 are on the road these days, in 2017, that number reached almost 44 million licensed drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That same year the CDC reports nearly 7,700 adults over the age of 65 were killed in motor vehicle crashes, and more than 257,000 were injured. So even though seniors are more likely to wear their seatbelts and less likely to drink and drive, it is still important to keep safety in mind while operating a vehicle.

 

Wear your seatbelt!

 

Wearing a seatbelt is the number one way to prevent fatalities and severe injuries in a motor vehicle accident. Whether you are the driver or the passenger, it is crucial to remember to buckle up. In fact, it is illegal in all 50 states, except for New Hampshire, to drive without wearing a seatbelt.

 

Regular Eye Exams

 

Make sure to get regular eyesight and hearing checkups. Ensuring that your eyewear prescription is up to date and that you can see and hear clearly will help when you drive. Also, make sure to check with your doctor that any medications or health conditions you have will not impair your ability to drive safely. Some prescription drugs make it unsafe to drive, so knowing the risks will help prevent accidents.

 

Safe Conditions

 

Drive when conditions are safest. The lighting at dusk and dawn and after dark can make it harder to see, which can make it more dangerous to drive. It can also be riskier to drive when roads are slick from rain. We can't always control driving conditions, but as we age, it is essential to pay attention to road conditions and adjust our driving accordingly.

 

Pick the right Vehicle

 

Choosing a vehicle that is easy to drive will also help to make driving more manageable as a senior. Something with an automatic transmission and power steering and breaks can make it more simple to drive. The easier it is to operate your vehicle, the more you can focus your attention on the road.

 

Remove distractions

 

Finally, keeping the vehicle distraction-free is important in staying safe while driving. In today's day and age, there are so many distractions in the car from cell phones to GPS. Keep use of these devices to a minimum to keep safe while driving.

With seniors continuing to drive later in life than in previous decades, it means more independence, but also more risks. Making sure that you take precautions and follow these road safety road tips for seniors is the best way to stay safe while on the road.

 

Also see: Iamfine's Daily Check-in Tips