Driving gives us the freedom to get where we want to go, when we want to go there. None of us can drive forever but if we can drive safely for as long as possible this will maintain our independence and quality of life.
Not being able to drive has consequences for the individual and the family. Individuals who must stop driving may experience lower life satisfaction, poorer adjustment, loneness and lower activity levels. Family and friends may also experience anxiety and guilt about not being able to meet non-drivers transportation needs.
As a group senior drivers are relatively safe drivers, but when seniors are involved in crashes, the situations and reasons are generally different from those associated with crashes involving younger drivers.
A Few Helpful tips to increase your skills to continue to drive safely.
Be Alert all the time and drive defensively.
Recognize the Hazard; Understand the Defence, Act in Time
Keep a three-second-safety cushion between you and the car in front of you.
Plan your trip to avoid driving at the busiest time of the day.
Be in driving mode all the time, look for the unexpected.
Give yourself plenty of time to make decisions
.
Look down the road far enough to get the big picture.
Aim High, See the whole scene, Keep your eyes moving.
Turn off radios to help you focus on your driving.
Driving is complicated and requires multiple decision-making.
How is your Eyesight?
Get annual eye checkups
Keep all windows, mirrors and headlights clean.
Turn on your headlights when it rains or road conditions are poor.
Wear the correct glasses for the conditions, sunglasses and prescription when driving in low light.
Good drivers communicate and look.
Always use your indicators to tell other drivers what you intend to do.
Check mirrors every second light pole or every 10 seconds
Check your blind spot every time the car moves move than one metre right or left.
Check your mirror, Indicate, and Check your blind spot before you change lanes.
Always look back when reversing.
Worried about driving?
Contact a professional driver trainer for a refresher course.
Ask family if they are worried about your driving.
Visit your local doctor if you notice any changes to vision, hearing and physical changes that may affect your driving.