How Seniors can Stay Safe on the Road

Aging can take quite a toll on a range of things, including your eyesight, reflexes, memory and attention span. These changes can make it difficult for older adults to drive safely on the road.

It is impossible to turn back time, however it is still possible for seniors to do regular eye examinations, wear the correct glasses, limit night time driving and plan their driving responsibly.

Here are some of the most common changes seniors can expect and how to drive safely on the road…

As you get older, you will start to notice a decline in your ability to:

> Judge the speed of the other vehicles on the road

> Notice objects out of the corner of your eyes

> Shift focus and identify certain objects

> Notice details and differences in colours, such as traffic lights

> Judge the distance between objects correctly

> Drive safely alongside other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians

> Spot items in low-light and difficult weather conditions

Here are some bright ideas for how to drive safer:

> Don’t drive at dawn, dusk, at night time and during bad weather conditions

> Try not to drive if you are fatigued or stressed out

> Avoid driving after you have taken medication that could cause drowsiness and impair your vision

> Do not drive during rush hour traffic as well as on congested roads and intersections

> Remember to always look out for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists who may not see you

As a senior citizen it is vital for you to realise that these changes are happening and learn to cope to make sure that yourself as well as everyone else on the road is safe!

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