Things like your sight, hearing and even reaction time can decline as you age. While this can be natural, it can also make driving more dangerous.
It’s estimated that every day, around 20 older adults are killed, and another 700 are injured in car accidents around the country. It’s also been found that drivers over the age of 70 have a higher rate of create-related death than younger drivers.
Due to the risk to themselves and others, it’s imperative that seniors and their caregivers take steps to minimize the possibility of an accident.
Understand limitations
If a senior is hard of hearing or has trouble seeing well during bad weather, they should adjust their driving habits to compensate for these issues. It’s also beneficial to use adaptive equipment while driving and the technology features offered in newer vehicles.
Make sure the vehicle is properly maintained
Keeping the vehicle being driven in good condition is another important step to staying safe while on the road. Be sure to check the lights and brakes regularly. Investing in a professional service for the vehicle is also smart, as mechanics can find potential issues with a vehicle that may cause problems down the road.
Follow all the rules
It’s important for seniors, just like other drivers, to follow the rules of the road. This includes going at the speed limit, using defensive driving techniques and not driving while fatigued or distracted.
Keeping seniors safe on the road
Many people can safely drive into their 80s; however, it’s important to make sure that you follow the safety rules here. This is going to help the seniors and others on the road stay safe. It will also reduce the possibility of a deadly accident.