(Newswire.net — May 18, 2022) — Driving is much more than a skill. Driving gives you the flexibility to travel to places frequently inaccessible by public transportation. Aside from being a need, driving is therapeutic. People take lengthy drives to relax and unwind; it gives you a sense of delight and self-assurance.
However, age impacts your driving abilities. Driving becomes difficult when your musculoskeletal system, muscle control, vestibular and auditory systems, and eyesight deteriorate. Nevertheless, with sufficient safety and preventive measures, you can enjoy driving for a longer time.
Schedule Frequent Hearing and Vision Testing
Like vision and hearing, some senses tend to deteriorate as you get older. Poor hearing can be a problem for senior drivers since it limits your ability to detect a coming emergency car or train. Glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are all common age-related vision disorders that make it hard to see properly or drive at nighttime.
Consult with your doctor about how frequently you should get vision and hearing assessments. If you believe your sight and hearing are normal, follow your doctor’s test schedule. If problems are detected early, they may be easier to address, and physicians can make appropriate improvements to lessen your chance of an accident.
For instance, an eye doctor may advise you to only drive during daytime hours. If a negligent motorist hits you at nighttime, discuss more with a Georgia car crash attorney to help you understand your legal rights and options and recover damages.
Recognize Your Limitations
Take into account your physical limits and make any required changes. For instance, if your hands ache when clutching the steering wheel, buy a steering wheel wrap that makes gripping and turning the steering wheel more comfortable.
You might request a referral from your physician to a therapist who can provide assistive equipment to help you drive or recommend activities to enable you to overcome your limits.
You may also opt to modify your car or purchase a new vehicle to better match your needs. For instance, cars with larger, easier-to-read gauges on the dashboard are popular with senior drivers. Furthermore, some newer models include safety technologies that can assist you in avoiding crashes, changing lanes securely, managing your blind area and more.
Put Your Phone Away and Concentrate On the Road
Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents. Take precautions before leaving to guarantee your ability to concentrate.
Be prepared when you get into your vehicle. Make a route plan in advance so you don’t have to check directions or maps while driving. If you are using a GPS device, input the destination before you begin driving. Never do anything that draws your attention away from the road while driving.
Enroll in Defensive Driving Classes
It is beneficial for senior citizens to upgrade their driving skills by enrolling in defensive driving lessons. This course will teach you about state traffic regulations, collision avoidance tactics, and the dangers of driving when tired. When you finish this program, you will be less likely to be involved in an automobile accident.
Manage Medication
Even if you’re feeling great, several medicines, including tranquilizers, pain and sleep pills, and cold treatments, can impair driving safety. Read the labels on your medications to learn what to anticipate from each one.
If you’ve taken medicine that makes you drowsy or dizzy, don’t drive. Instead, consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are worried about the side effects or the influence on driving safety.
Drive When Roads Are in Great Condition
Driving during the day, in good weather, on quiet roads, and in familiar locations can all help to increase driver safety. However, consider postponing your travel or using public transportation or ridesharing if visibility is poor.
Bottom Line
Driving may be a fulfilling and enjoyable pastime, and age should not impede it. However, the elderly may also enjoy driving with some caution, care, and tips. If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, it is in your best interest to consult with a car accident attorney to defend your rights and help you collect the settlement you deserve.
About the author:
With a BA in communications and paralegal experience, Irma Dengler decided to make the best of her writing skills. She decided to turn complicated legal matters into something more palatable for the masses. Therefore, Irma became a law communicator who writes about everyday problems so everyone can understand them and take the appropriate action. She specialized in personal injury cases, as they are more common than anyone thinks, but her areas of expertise also include civil law, criminal law, insurance-related issues, and more.