Learn About Senior Safe Driving to Keep Older Loved One's Safe Behind The Wheel

Driving can be difficult for anyone, but it is sometimes more difficult for seniors. Older adults, many of whom have perfect driving histories, often resist family concerns about their safety. Seniors aren't "terrible drivers," but aging factors can impact their driving.

Seniors aged 65 and older are more likely to cause an accident than people 64 or younger. However, no matter how long a senior has been driving, they can still learn how to operate a vehicle more safely. Here is a list of safety tips by Phoenix Home Care:

Schedule a Senior Driver Assessment

According to AARP circumstances, not age determine when a senior should consider scheduling a senior driver assessment. For example, an older person needs a driver's assessment if they experience vision changes or eye disease.

• Reduced joint mobility
• People suggest they should stop driving
• A dementia diagnosis
• Resuming driving after a long hiatus

Since a senior driver assessment is, in part, a medical exam, a general practitioner or occupational therapist can perform the evaluation. As a result of their assessment, a senior can gather ideas for driving more safely.

Exercise Regularly

There is a correlation between physical fitness and safe driving. Routine workouts keep joints moving more freely, improving reaction time behind the wheel. In addition, staying fit provides a more excellent range of motion in the neck. Finally, sit-to-stand exercises make getting in and out of a car easier.

Get Routine Hearing And Eye Exams

Older drivers should never assume that their vision and hearing are good enough. Regular eye and hearing exams detect existing eye and ear concerns. Impending vision and hearing issues can be diagnosed and corrected before they become more serious.

A senior ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist will determine how frequently eye and hearing exams are necessary. Part of the importance of these check-ups is to reveal any restrictions a senior need to place on their driving.

Understand Medication Side Effects

Seniors who take prescription and over-the-counter medications should familiarize themselves with possible side effects that could hurt their driving abilities. For example, antihistamines and opioids can cause drowsiness. No one should get behind the wheel after taking a med that induces sleepiness or dizziness.

Compensate For Driving Challenges

Seniors can modify their car to compensate for limitations that make driving more challenging. For example, pedal extenders make the brake and accelerator easier to reach. In addition, panoramic external rearview mirrors enlarge a driver's field of vision.

Automotive hand controls benefit operators who can't use foot pedals. A senior should check with their home state's DMV regarding regulations for installing and using driving aids.

Take a Senior Driver Refresher Course

Older drivers looking for a driving refresher course can start with local agencies that serve the needs of seniors and continuing education programs. In addition, an online Smart Driver Course is available through AARP.

Since reviewing the road rules is part of the curriculum, participation in an older driver skills review program decreases the likelihood of committing a moving violation or getting into an accident. Seniors who complete a driving refresher class may be entitled to discounted auto insurance.

Bottom Line

Drivers of all ages must be cautious, but seniors require extra care because their abilities deteriorate with age. As a caregiver for your elderly loved ones, it is necessary that you take the essential precautions to help them drive safely. Contact any In-Home Care Phoenix for extra safety suggestions, as they have a lot of experience with caregiving.