Depending on where you live, driving is a necessary part of day-to-day life. In fact, some people wouldn’t be able to carry out their lives without the help of their vehicle. For this reason, many people continue to drive well into their older age.
However, it’s no secret that as you get older your hearing, eyesight, and overall coordination can start to degrade. As such, it’s extremely important for older adults to stay safe on the road. The good news is that there are straightforward ways to stay safe while driving, and also keep other drivers on the road safe. Without further ado, here are five driving tips to keep seniors on the road.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Defensive driving skills are valuable for people of all ages. However, they can be especially helpful for senior citizens who may be more vulnerable behind the wheel. Taking a defensive driving course can reduce your chances of an accident, and avoid putting others’ lives in danger as well. Call your local DMV to look into defensive driving courses they have available, otherwise, the internet can be a great resource for learning the basics.
Follow The Speed Limit
One of the most straightforward and effective ways to stay safe on the road is to always follow the speed limit. When driving, make sure that you’re familiar with local speed limits, and follow them as closely as possible. Remember, driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too quickly. By following the speed limit you can ensure that you drive at the same pace as other drivers and avoid impulsive accidents.
If you’re ever unsure about what the speed limit is, many new vehicles come equipped with digital dashboards which will display the speed limit of where you are.
Get Your Eyes Checked
One of the number one causes of accidents amongst senior citizens is vision problems. By getting your eyesight regularly checked, you can decrease your chances of an accident due to reduced visibility, and potentially save the life of someone else. It’s a good idea to get your eyes checked once a year when you are over the age of 65. The good news is that age-related vision problems are often curable either through laser surgery or through corrective lenses or contacts.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
We can’t always anticipate what other drivers will do on the road around us. Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure you aren’t surprised by an unexpected maneuver is to keep a safe following distance.
Experts recommend giving yourself ample time to brake should the car in front of you suddenly stop. A distance of about 3 to 4 seconds is ideal, and in some cases, if it’s raining or snowing, you may want to consider even more.