Tips to Help Seniors Drive Safely

The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) state that in 2012 “more than 5,560 older adults were killed and more than 214,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes. This amounts to 15 older adults killed and 586 injured in crashes on average every day.”  While senior drivers can be safe drivers, there are a few considerations they need to take into account.

The CDC list several steps that seniors can take to help them be a safe driver.  One of the suggestions is to stay as active as possible because to drive well, you need to be flexible and have a good range of motion.  Drivers need to turn their head easily and be able to look over their shoulder.  They also say to talk to your health care provider regarding any side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications you take to see if they can interfere with your ability to drive such as drowsiness.  Another one of their tips is to leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead as seniors’ reflexes are slower. 

The Mayo Clinic also cautions senior drivers to get regular eye exams.  Eye problems can cause blurred vision or difficulty with night vision.  In addition as we age our peripheral vision decreases.  Hearing problems can also affect a senior’s ability to safely drive as they interfere with hearing sirens or vehicles approaching.   

The Mayo Clinic’s other commonsense tips include planning your route before you go and to try to stay on familiar streets whenever possible.  Limit trips to places that are easy to drive to and close to home and avoid routes that require risky left-hand turns or busy freeway ramps.  Additionally elderly drivers should avoid driving at night or in poor weather conditions as well as when they are tired or stressed.  Finally always wear a seat belt and avoid distraction such as talking on the phone or listening to the radio. 

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Sources:cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/older_adult_drivers/,mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/senior-health/art-20046397?pg=2