Part One: Older drivers can become safer drivers

Safety and the older driver is a sensitive topic.  Concerns about driving as one grows older   include the physical safety of the driver and others. And it includes the emotional decision of when to stop driving, as the ability to drive represents independence in our society.

Often, transportation is the number-one barrier for people who are seeking to age independently. Therefore, especially in our rural and suburban communities here in Albany County, independence means hanging on to the car keys.

As it turns out, we are neither helpless nor hopeless with the challenge of driving safely as we age. Education, preparation, and awareness can help all of us. Improvements in driver safety are not limited to those who are elders in the community; everyone can benefit. 

The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, www.nia.nih.gov, offers safe driving tips for you or the older driver in your family.

Mobility

If you have stiff joints and sore muscles, perhaps due to arthritis, you might have difficulty turning your head to see what’s behind you, turning the steering wheel, or braking safely.

See your doctor if the pain and stiffness is affecting your driving.

Drive with power steering, power brakes, and larger mirrors, if possible. 

Do exercises to improve flexibility and strength.

Vision 

If your vision has changed with age, it may be harder to see movement of cars or people outside of your direct line of sight. Glare from blinding sunlight during the day and from oncoming headlights at night can make it difficult to see the road.

See your eye doctor at least every one to two years from age 65 on; many vision problems, like cataracts, are treatable.

Make sure your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses is up to date.

Cut back on nighttime driving or stop altogether if you have difficulty seeing in the dark.

Sunrise and sunset are good times to avoid driving, since the sun can be directly in your line of vision. Pay attention to changes in the length of the day throughout the year and adjust your travel plans.

Hearing

If your hearing is impaired, which is common as we age, it’s harder to hear sirens, car horns or other vehicles approaching.

Get your hearing checked. The National Institute on Aging recommends having your hearing checked at least every three years after age 50.

Keep the interior of your car as quiet as possible while you are behind the wheel. 

Watch those warning lights on the car’s dashboard for any signals of something wrong with the car.

Reflexes

Older drivers may also experience slower reaction times and reflexes. To avoid other drivers, pedestrians, or hazards in the road, you need adequate response time. Consider that medications might make you drowsy and slow your reaction time.

Leave more distance between you and the car ahead of you.

Brake earlier when you need to stop.

Avoid high traffic situations and high speed driving.

If you must drive on highways, stay in the right lane with slower traffic to give you more time to make safe driving decisions.

Read medicine labels carefully; speak to your doctor or pharmacist about side effects that may affect your ability to drive.

Driving programs

There are driving programs aimed at older adults to update and refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road and learn how to adjust their driving to compensate for age-related physical changes. Safe-driver courses and resources are offered by the American association of Retired Persons, the American Automobile Association, and some insurance companies.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has resources devoted to senior drivers. Its website can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/Senior-Drivers. 

Part Two of Older Driver Safety will consider when to give up driving.

Community Caregivers, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation, and caregiver support at no charge to residents in Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the City of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.

To find out more about our services or volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call 456-2898.            

Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for the community Caregivers.