6 Safety Tips for Aging Drivers

By Jamie Shapiro | August 20, 2015 | Comments Off on 6 Safety Tips for Aging Drivers

Senior Care in Skokie IL

Driving brings independence, especially for seniors who live in rural areas or areas without access to reliable, convenient public transportation, which is most suburbs throughout the United States. Being able to drive to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, the pharmacy for prescriptions, and to family and friends houses and social outings makes a senior’s life easier.  However, as people age, driving can become challenging. That’s why it’s important for seniors to take certain safety precautions before getting behind the wheel. Here are a few tips for safe, senior driving by the Mayo Clinic.

1. Stay active

Staying physically active on a regular basis improves a senior’s flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes.  The senior will need to look behind them if they don’t have a back-up camera, react to other drivers, and make instant decisions.  Exercise can help a senior keep these driving skills sharp and focused.

2.  Get regular vision and hearing check ups

Even if a senior thinks their hearing and vision is fine, it is still important to get regular check-ups.  Driving requires keen hearing and sight to hear emergency vehicles approaching and to see if someone is crossing the street, for example. Taking care of these senses is important for safe driving.

3.  Don’t drive during inclement weather

Seniors should consider only driving when the weather is good.  When it is raining or snowing, a senior should stay off the roads until the weather clears.  If need be, an elder care provider can be used to transport the senior during these times or simply do the senior’s errands for them.

4.  Take a driving course

Call the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state or check their website to see if they offer driving classes for seniors to refresh their driving skills. This is a great opportunity to not only improve upon driving skills, but also to get out of the house and socialize.  It’s quite possible that taking a refresher course will also earn a senior a discount on their car insurance.

5.  Plan ahead

Know the route to be driven ahead of time to avoid getting lost. When an individual gets lost, this is often followed by feelings of frustration and anger, both of which easily distract a driver.   Using a GPS device or getting detailed directions beforehand will help the senior stay on the right track.

6.  Avoid driving distractions

It’s important for senior drivers to avoid any distractions; that means no talking on the phone, no texting, no eating, or even adjusting the radio while driving. All of these distractions are dangerous and could lead to an accident.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care services in Skokie, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Source
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/senior-health/art-20046397

Jamie Shapiro
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