Safety Tips and Warning Signs for Older Drivers

Age doesn’t automatically mean your driving skills deteriorate or your physical ability behind the wheel is reduced, but statistics do indicate there are accidents the older generation is more prone to – as well as red flags to watch out for when it comes to taking to the road. Here are the top safety tips and warning signs for older drivers.

Creatures of habit

No matter what age you are, people are creatures of habit. When you’re older, that means you’ve had a little more time to instil some bad habits into your driving toolkit. Every driver, no matter how good they are, should take a refresher driving course every now and then, as rules change over time and can be region-specific.

Confidence

Remember how you were six foot tall and bullet proof at 18? Well, chances are some life lessons have dented that bravado a little along the way. Again, this can be remedied with a refresher course or defensive driver’s training to give you back that lust for the open road, and the knowledge to still bring your A game to the driver’s seat.

It’s also great to have a team in your corner, so keep your insurance details on hand and be aware that if you are involved in an accident and it’s not your fault, there are some great resources like The Personal Injury Lawyers to assist.

Physical ability

Unfortunately, over time, it’s your physical ability that may let down your driving skills. That’s why an annual eyesight test and physical is imperative. But it’s not just your physical ability that counts; your car should also undergo its annual service to ensure it’s in tip-top condition to hit the open road.

Medication

A host of medication can interfere with your ability on the road, slowing your reflexes and causing fatigue, so talk to your physician about possible side-effects of any medication you may be taking. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if something is likely to interfere with your driving ability, seek the assistance of the many resources available to help with shopping, travel and daily activities.

While driving is a convenience, it’s not the definition of your ability or contribution to society. Ultimately, hitting the road is a weigh-up between your confidence, skills and requirements. But by paying attention to your skills, the safety of your vehicle and your comfort level, driving should remain an enjoyable experience now and into the future.