Informative source for better living

How Senior Citizens Can Remain Safe When Driving

How Senior Citizens Can Remain Safe When Driving

Driving is a crucial aspect of many people’s lives. Not being able to drive could leave you feeling trapped and relying on others to get you to your destination.

Being safe on the road is hard for any driver and becomes increasingly difficult as you age. We all age differently, so it would be unreasonable to determine an exact age at which anyone should stop driving.

However, as you age, there are many factors that no longer work in your favor. These include impaired hearing, poor vision, slower motor reflexes, and worsened health conditions.

Here are a few tips on how to remain safe on the road in your senior years:

Remain Active

Doing some stretching exercises every day can help keep the muscles flexible and healthy. Walking is always a good option, but first, consult your doctor before engaging in anything strenuous. 

Hearing and Vision Test

Having your vision and hearing tested regularly will help prevent any serious problems. These are two of the senses that are vital to safe driving. Unfortunately, they’re also the first to deteriorate with age.

Not being able to see or hear very well can result in an accident that could’ve been prevented. Your doctor can recommend how often these tests should be done. 

Listen to Your Body

If you’re not feeling too well or have any aches or pains, refrain from driving. The same goes for when you’re feeling tired or emotionally distressed. 

Changing your vehicle to suit your needs is also an option to consider. Perhaps an automatic will be more comfortable to control, or a smaller vehicle might be easier to maneuver.

Refrain From Driving in Poor Conditions

Avoid getting behind the wheel when the weather is unpleasant. Instead, drive during the day than at night and when the conditions are favorable. Driving during off-peak times is also advisable, as the roads are much quieter. 

Driving Course

Taking a refresher course to update your skills is another way of remaining safe on the road. Organizations that serve the elderly might offer these kinds of courses.

General

You may feel it’s becoming too challenging to drive; if so, then perhaps it’s time to give up your car keys. There are various options to consider when it comes to transport. You could take a bus, make use of a ride-share service, or ask a relative to drive you in your car.

If you’re involved in an accident, make sure to contact the local authorities and note all the relevant information. You might not remember the event as clearly as you’d like, and having notes will help.

If you sustain any injuries as a result of an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer.  They’ll assist you with following the necessary legal processes to receive any financial support as needed.  It’s vital in these situations that the necessary application forms you can find here https://diamondlaw.ca/forms/ocf-1-application-accident-benefits-sabs are completed in a timely manner and without error.

Take Away

Giving up driving might seem like you’re relinquishing your independence, but there might come a time when this is the best choice to make. As you age, your body no longer functions as you’d like, and you would need to take extra precautions to remain safe on the road.

Going for a regular hearing and vision test will help prevent any problems. Ensuring that you remain active, taking a refresher course in driving, and refraining from driving when not feeling well all contribute to being safe.

Stay Connected to Joyful Source

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin | LinkedIn | Tumblr