Most senior drivers do the right things when it comes to driving safely, such as wearing seat belts, observing speed limits, and not drinking and driving. However, older drivers also need to consider changes in eyesight, hearing, reflexes, cognition and medical conditions that might affect their performance on the road.
In many cases, a car has provided an individual with independence for decades. And, there comes a time for all of us when driving skills will begin to diminish. It’s important for experienced drivers to regularly take stock of their abilities.
In 2015, more than 6,000 people 65 and older were killed in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here are a few tools and resources to help older drivers asses their skills, identify ways to improve their driving and stay up to date on the rules of the road.
Evaluate your driving
AAA offers two quick and easy online tools to help you assess your driving – an interactive driving evaluation and a printable self-rating tool. These tools are a great way to identify your strengths and weaknesses, along with suggestions for how to improve your driving. Check with your local AAA club about in-person evaluations and driver training for seniors.
Take a course
Refresher courses such as AAA’s Roadwise Driver may be beneficial for older drivers. These courses can explain new driving laws and new vehicle features, such as lane departure warning systems. They can also help seniors recognize physical limitations in vision, hearing and mobility, and understand how to compensate for limitations. Courses may be offered in classrooms or online and may result in an auto insurance discount.
Make sure your car measures up
AAA’s CarFit program provides a 12-point check to make sure a vehicle’s interior features are perfectly matched to maximize comfort and safety for a senior driver. For example, mirrors can be adjusted for better visibility. Or the position of the steering wheel can be tweaked to improve the line of sight.
Check your medications
Eight out of ten drivers age 65 and older take medications on a regular basis. Roadwise Rx is a free, confidential tool developed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety that adults can use to find out how medications may affect safe driving. A seemingly harmless medication could have a big impact on your driving.
Visit seniordriving.aaa.com for more tools and resources to help senior drivers stay safer longer.
For more information about auto insurance, call your AAA insurance agent or insurance customer service, or visit your local branch.