How does age affect driving?
As people age, they are more likely to experience health issues such as vision problems and that can indirectly lead to traffic accidents. Driving restrictions for senior citizens is an important factor. But in case of an accident, the law gives some compensation to old people who suffered from below health issues.
Causes of age-related driving difficulties
- Health status
If you have any questions about your ability to drive because of health problems, consult your doctor if possible and raise any concerns you have about going safely.
- Blind
Vision is an essential element in driving skills. But poor vision is an inevitable consequence of aging. The number of visual impairments in people older than 75 years is significantly increased,
- Hearing loss
Few people grow old without hearing loss. Deafness can occur gradually without the person’s knowledge, impairing the ability to listen to sounds such as car horns, tire boxes, and sirens that often warn someone. Hearing loss, such as emergency sirens or inability to hear the siren.
- Overdose of pills:
Suppose your loved one is taking too many pills each day, as with many older people, be sure to question the medication and its possible side effects. Herbal and over-the-counter medicines can also affect your ability to drive.
- Memory problems:
This includes start-up errors that were previously inherent or often overlooked. All of them stand out from time to time, but if you have a growth pattern, it’s time for your doctor to evaluate it.
Warning signs for the unsafe driving of the elderly:
Symptoms of hazardous driving may appear gradually, and recent changes in health may make the problem worse. Although the signals of individual alerts may seem vague, they can pose a significant risk when combined.
Watch out for these warning signs for older drivers
- Frequent close calls (i.e., near accidents), cars and fences, mailboxes, garage doors, dents, and scratches on the pavement.
- Increased subpoenas, fines, or “warnings” from law enforcement or traffic authorities.
- For no reason, fundamental driving problems, such as sudden lane changes, swerving,
- Sudden braking or acceleration. Other examples include using the turn signal and keeping traffic lights on without changing lanes.
Safety tips for older drivers
Stay healthy
Regular health checkups are essential to staying in top condition for driving.
Check your eyes every year. Make sure the corrective lens is up to date.
Get a hearing test every year:
Be careful when opening the car window. Withdrawal can affect the efficiency of your hearing aids.
Regular strength and agility exercises:
Help improve reflexes and range of motion, relieve pain and stiffness, and maintain sufficient strength to drive.
