Safe Driving Tips For Seniors

While years of driving makes people better drivers, as you age, your muscles and joints become stiff. Your hearing and vision also becomes impaired. Soon, actions that seemed natural, like moving your foot from the gas pedal to the brake, become more difficult. Fortunately, effective tips will keep aging drivers active and safer on the roads.

Read on to learn these ideas.

Stay on Top of Your Health

Health becomes compromised as people age. Therefore, get regular check-ups to keep you in your best driving element, ensure to have your vision and hearing checked once or twice a year. Exercising regularly will also increase your stamina and flexibility to improve your reflexes. Regular exercises will also ease joint pain and stiffness, putting you in a better position to handle your car.

Know the Effects of your Medication

Certain medications can adversely affect your driving. When getting your prescriptions, ask your doctor to tell you about the possible side effects of your medication. You may also tell the doctor the effects you experience after taking certain medications and see if they have better alternatives. Some common side effects may include dizziness, confusion, blurry vision, or loss of consciousness.

Understand and Improve your Limitations

Determine your physical limitations and make the necessary improvements. For instance, use a soft steering cover if your hands hurt when gripping the steering wheel. You may also look for assertive devices to help overcome your limitations.

Changing your vehicle to a model whose features are better suited for older drivers would also help make driving safer and easier. For instance, you can find a car whose dashboard has larger and easier-to-read dials. Newer models also have driver assistance features, including collision avoidance systems, blind-spot monitoring, lane change, and braking assist.

Key Takeaway

Driving can sometimes be challenging for older adults, especially if they don't update their skills. To stay on top of their game, they need to be healthy and fit. They also need to avoid medications that can distract their ability to drive. Providing them with driving assist devices or advanced vehicles is also a great idea. You also need to keep your car in top-notch condition to avoid mishaps. If you need vehicle service, give Cosmo's Service Center a call today.