As we get older, the more that our driving habits can be affected by our age. That’s not to say that every senior has accidents, however, over the age of 60, certain factors can increase your risk of accidents considerably. Understanding what these causes are can help you reduce your chances of getting into an accident, and not only keep yourself safe but also other people on the road.
Declining Vision
Your vision naturally deteriorates over time, which can make it harder to see the road, particularly at night. Conditions like glaucoma or cataracts can affect not only your general vision but also your depth perception, making it extremely dangerous to drive.
Regular eye exams are critical if you have any of these conditions, and you should always avoid driving at night whenever possible.
Slower Reactions
Statistics show that as we age our reaction times tend to slow down considerably. This can make it much more challenging to respond quickly to certain hazards in the road like an animal or a car stopping abruptly in front of you.
Slower reflexes can also affect your decision-making skills if you need to make a choice quickly at an intersection or while changing lanes. This is why it’s so important that people maintain a moderate speed to compensate for these slower reaction times over the age of 60.
Chronic Health Conditions
One of the most common reasons for our older adults getting in car accidents is due to chronic health conditions like diabetes or even arthritis which can impact your driving ability. When you have pain or stiffness in the joints it can make it that much more difficult to turn the steering wheel or make gestures like looking over your shoulder.
Not to mention, certain medications can affect your coordination and focus, which is why it’s important that you consult with your doctor about whether your medications are suitable to drive with or not.
Anxiety
Some seniors may drive cautiously, which may seem like a good thing, however, when caution becomes anxiety it can become a danger on the road. Hesitation and high-pressure situations or doubting your abilities or what actions you should take can significantly impact your chances of a car accident.
This is why it’s a great idea for seniors to enroll themselves in a defensive driving course. These kinds of courses can help you stay updated on the latest driving techniques and even serve as a refresher course to help you address any hesitance or anxiety while driving.
Remember, driving is one of your greatest sources of independence as a senior. The longer you can preserve your ability to drive, the longer you’ll feel independent and able to go about your daily to-dos without having to rely on anyone else.
