Eight Safety Tips for Mature Drivers

Seniors represent the fastest-growing segment of drivers, with current projections suggesting that a quarter of all drivers will be over 65 by 2025. Although seniors have an overall crash rate comparable to that of 20- and 30-year-old drivers, they are the most fragile drivers on the road, with a higher death rate per mile driven than any other group. To ensure safety for mature drivers, please read and share these eight quick tips.

1) Staying Physically Active
Physical activity helps improve driver safety by making it easier to do ordinary driving procedures (i.e. turning the steering wheel, looking over the shoulder). Some physical activity can include walking, stretching and strength training. Be sure to get a doctor’s approval before increasing activity level.

2) Staying Mentally Fit
As you get older, your brain needs more time to process information, reducing the speed at which we make decisions behind the wheel. The good news is that there are plenty of ways we can keep our cognitive abilities strong, sharp, and ready for action, such as by engaging our brains to solve problems and complete exercises. For example, doing origami, crossword puzzles, learning a new skill, and playing a musical instrument.

3) Schedule Regular Vision and Hearing Tests
Senses like hearing and vision are likely to decline with age. When senses are impaired, driving a vehicle becomes even more dangerous. This includes an inability to hear approaching emergency vehicles or trains and difficulty in seeing at night. Schedule vision and hearing tests with a doctor to ensure these senses are in good health.

4) Manage Chronic Conditions
Some chronic conditions like diabetes and seizures can impact driver safety. Follow the doctor’s instructions for managing such chronic conditions, which may include adjusting a treatment plan or limiting driving. It’s equally important to know the side effects of current medications. Visit RoadwiseRX.com for a better understanding on how medications may affect you or a loved one’s driving.

5) Understand Limitations
Physical limitations may require adjustments when driving. For example, using a steering wheel cover can make holding and turning the wheel more comfortable. Older drivers might also adjust their vehicles or choose a different vehicle to better meet their needs. For example, newer vehicles may offer safety features that can help avoid collisions, manage blind spots and more. Ask a doctor’s referral for an occupational therapist who can offer assistive devices to help drive or can suggest exercises to help mature drivers overcome limitations.

6) Drive Under Optimal Conditions
Mature drivers can improve driver safety by driving during optimal conditions, including the daytime, in good weather and in familiar areas. It is best to delay trips or use public transportation when visibility is poor. Mature drivers should also make sure they are in optimal condition to drive. This includes not driving when they’re tired, angry or intoxicated.

7) Limit Distractions
Since distracted driving is a frequent cause of accidents for drivers of all ages, it is best to take the proper steps before you go to ensure your full attention is on the task at hand – safely arriving to your destination.

A few ways to eliminate distracting temptations includes:

• Entering your destination into the GPS or call someone for directions before your departure.
• Stowing and securing all electronic devices, loose gear and other possessions
• Enlisting a passenger to help carry out activities
• Making vehicle adjustments before your drive (i.e. seat position and mirror settings)
• Refraining from any type of phone conversations or voice-to-text features, including hands-free and Bluetooth devices.
   

8) Update Driving Skills
A mature driver safety course can benefit seniors in many ways no matter how long they have been driving. Senior drivers can brush up on skills they may not have used in a while, and they may even learn some new tips that will keep them, their passengers and fellow drivers safe. In addition, completing a driving improvement course may also result in a substantial discount on their auto insurance bills.

Members and non-members are invited to take a AAA RoadWise class to improve their knowledge of driving laws, driving techniques, and how prescription medications can affect driving abilities. Classes are taught by Certified Instructors and have no written exams or on-road driving.

To see when and where a mature driving course is offered near you, visit AAA.com/DriverTraining or visit your local AAA office.