Regardless of age, everyone can benefit from safety tips for driving. However, prioritizing safety becomes even more crucial for seasoned drivers, like seniors. Because of this, we’ve gathered the top seven driving tips for senior drivers.
1. Keep yourself updated
Whether you’ve been off the road for some time or starting later in life, the best way for any driver to stay safe is to be up-to-date with traffic laws and regulations. As time passes, the rules change and evolve, as do common signs and signals. So, ensuring you are up to date on all the rules of the road is very important, especially for senior drivers.
2. Pick the best times to drive
Before you get behind the wheel, consider whether or not the current outdoor conditions are the best idea. Check what it is like outside, whether it’s the time of day, unfavourable weather, or any type of low-visibility circumstance. Inclement weather and low visibility can make driving more challenging, especially for senior drivers. As an alternative, opt for driving during daylight hours or save any errands for good weather as a top driving tip for senior drivers.
3. Take breaks during long drives
If you are driving for a longer stretch, like on a road trip, make sure to take regular breaks to stretch your legs and body. Take the time to wake yourself up and get ready for the next leg of your journey. Fatigue can slow down reaction times and sometimes impair decision-making abilities. So, it is super important that you stay alert and refreshed during long drives, especially for senior drivers.
4. Get your vision and hearing checked regularly
As mentioned before, good visibility, eyesight, and hearing are crucial for safe driving. So, one of the best tips for senior drivers is to get regular vision check-ups. Unfortunately, age-related vision changes can impact someone’s peripheral vision, depth perception, and overall clarity of sight. Perhaps look into some corrective lenses or other visual aids to help you stay safe. One of the best ways to stay safe on the roads is to be proactive about your eye health and get your vision checked regularly.
5. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front
One way to remain safe on the road is to keep a safe following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. This is important for anyone on the road, but it is especially important for senior drivers because of the vision changes they might experience. Keeping some space between you and the vehicle in front of you will help keep everyone safe. This is especially true during adverse weather conditions or when driving too fast. This helps to give you more reaction time in the case of any emergencies or sudden stops.
6. Minimize in-car distractions
Another driving tip for senior drivers is to avoid distractions while driving. While your vehicle is in motion, avoid using your phones or electronic devices, adjusting the radio, or eating. Distracted driving is dangerous to everyone in the vehicle, as well as around it, so keep your focus on the road.
7. Know your limits
One of the hardest things is admitting when you may need help or that you cannot perform a task the way you used to. It is paramount to recognize and come to terms with any physical or cognitive limitations that may impact your ability to drive. If you have any concerns about your ability to drive safely, perhaps consider limiting your driving and exploring alternative transport options.
Remember, by implementing these driving tips for senior drivers into your everyday life, you can stay safe on the roads and help others to remain safe, as well. Should you want to shop around at renewal or require a new car insurance policy, contact us today.
