Driving Safety for Seniors

For most Canadians, the automobile represents independence, control and mobility. We couldn't wait to get our first driver's licence and be handed the keys to the family car when we were teenagers...and we'd like to keep driving as long as possible.

November 6 - 12 is National Senior Safety Week. This year, extra emphasis is focused on issues of safe driving for seniors. According to the Canada Safety Council, about 70 percent of Canadians 55 and over have a driver's licence. Unfortunately, though road fatalities have dropped in most age groups over the years, seniors over 65 are the exception. Based on kilometers driven, seniors experience more collisions than any other age group. Here is some information to consider and share with senior loved ones:

Some of the normal changes of aging can make driving more challenging. Impediments to safe driving include hearing loss, vision problems, decreased reaction time, memory loss and lessened manual dexterity. In addition, the loss of depth perception and peripheral vision may narrow the margin of safety on crowded roads and highways.

Older adults should periodically assess their driving abilities, both to increase safety and to honestly judge whether they are still safe behind the wheel.

Making Changes for Safer Driving

Here are ten good ways to improve driving skills and extend safe driving capability:

1. Take a refresher driving course for seniors. Classes on defensive driving for older drivers focus on specific strategies for dealing with the impact of the aging process on driving. (See the resources at the end of this article to learn about "55 Alive" driving courses.)
   
   
2. When filling any prescriptions, ask the doctor or pharmacist if medications have any potential side effects that could hinder the ability to drive.
   
   
3. Have regular eye examinations, and keep glasses prescription current.
   
   
4. Make sure the car is in good working condition. Have it checked for mechanical problems and other defects. Watch for carpet and pedal wear that could cause the accelerator or brake to stick, or a foot to slip.
   
   
5. Keep windows, mirrors, windshields, and wiper blades clean, as well as headlights, tail lights and turn signals.
   
   
6. Have tires regularly checked for low air pressure and excessive tread wear.
   
   
7. Make adaptive modifications to the vehicle itself for enhanced driving safety. For example: improved side and rear-view mirrors; a back-up warning buzzer; steering wheel grips; and pedal adjustments.
   
   
8. If the car is large and difficult to maneuver, consider trading it for a smaller car, which might be easier to handle and park.
   
   
9. To avoid the most challenging driving situations, investigate route and time of day adjustments. If night vision has diminished, schedule car trips during daylight hours. Busy highways and rush hour traffic can be avoided with some advance planning and allowance for additional travel time. Boarding buses at Park and Ride lots can eliminate driving in the most congested areas.
   
   
10. Make sure that insurance is adequate and kept current.

Checklist for a Safe Car Trip

Whether going to the market or on a vacation trip, here are some things seniors should consider before turning the ignition key:

• Plan your route before you leave, and then stick to that route.
  
  
• If you're uncomfortable driving at high speeds, avoid the highway. Just allow more travel time for your trip.
  
  
• Try to steer clear of rush hour traffic and congested routes.
  
  
• Buckle up! Everyone in your car should wear a seatbelt. (Remember: airbags are supplements to seatbelts, not substitutes.)
  
  
• Make yourself visible by turning on headlights in poor weather, even during daylight hours.
  
  
• Always use turn signals to indicate your intentions. And be sure your signals stop blinking after you've turned. An unintentional signal could result in an accident.
  
  
• Look in your mirrors frequently, and always use a head-check to your "blind spot" when changing lanes.
  
  
• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
  
  
• Avoid distractions by keeping radio volume low and conversations to a minimum. And of course, even if your province allows cell phone use while driving—don't!

Next month: Are you are concerned about the driving skills of a senior loved one? Caregivers report that driving safety can be one of the most difficult topics of discussion. It's important to focus on how your loved one can maintain his or her independence while still staying safe. Learn about transportation alternatives in "Is It Time to Give Up the Car?" in the December 2009 issue of Choices.

Read More

The Canada Safety Council offers safety tips, "55 Alive" driving classes and other information on their Safety and the Aging Driver webpage.

The Canadian Driving Research Initiative for Vehicular Safety in the Elderly (Candrive) aims to improve the health, safety and quality of life of Canada's older drivers. See their website for resources, information and research studies about senior drivers.

Just for Fun

Driving Safety Wordfind Give your brain a workout with this month's puzzle, which contains 20 words all having to do with driver safety. Click here to download and print your own copy.