Top 5 Cautions and Concerns for Elderly Drivers

Older drivers are 10 times more likely than younger drivers to be involved in multiple car crashes and in the next twenty years they say that drivers 70 years and older will triple on the roads. While most older drivers are perfectly safe on the road, there are many who are in denial about their advanced aged and more limited abilities. For instance, decreasing eye sight and poor visual coordination can impair a driver and can possibly cause an accident, because either they can’t see the road ahead of them or they can’t sufficiently control their vehicle. Moreover, it isn’t that older drivers shouldn’t be on the road, it’s that they should take the time to realize the risks and have the necessary awareness to keep themselves and other people on the road safe. Here are the top 5 cautions and concerns for elderly drivers.

1. For most seniors, eyesight is the first to show signs of degeneration. For instance, many older drivers have trouble seeing in the dark, because they have lost too many of the cells that make it possible to see in the dark. On the opposite side of the spectrum, older people might be even more sensitive to light, which can make driving during the day a challenge as well. Also, blurriness and loss of focus can also occur. It is recommended that you have your eyesight check by a doctor and get the necessary glasses or bifocals to help you see while you drive.
2. Older drivers also want to be aware and make sure they do not mix up their medications. For many people of advanced age, you might be prescribed a number of medications for the multitude of ailments that can occur. The best thing you can do is organize your medication and make sure you know exactly which medication you can take together and can’t.
3. Another concern with elderly drivers is losing the ability to hear properly. If you can’t hear the road, like people’s voices and honking, you might be putting yourself and other drivers at risk. It is recommended that you go to the doctor to get fitted with a hearing aid. Many of the newest hearing aids are far more effective than older models and are far more affordable. You could even ask your healthcare insurance provider if they cover you.
4. And if you are of advanced age and looking for car resources for seniors, you might want to first go to your physical to make sure all your reflexes are in order. You are going to need your reflexes to brake, turn the wheel and even shift – or make quick decisions to avoid getting into an accident. If your reflexes are not as quick, this can be a cause for concern.
5. Lastly, one of the biggest concerns for elderly drivers is loss of memory. If you are a driver, one of the most important things is to know where you are going. If your memory is impaired, you can risk forgetting where you live, missing turns or a freeway exit, and you can even get lost. If you are an elderly driver, make sure your memory is in good shape before you get behind the wheel.