Safe Driving Tips for Seniors

The first week of December is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week which focuses on driving fitness, driving safety, and driving alternatives for senior drivers.

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week aims to help seniors, regardless of driving capability, stay active in their communities by promoting alternative mobility and transportation opportunities.
 
We go through many biological changes as we age including changes in vision, hearing, and cognitive abilities. All of these majorly impact one’s ability to safely drive even short distances.

​Be sure to stay consistent and get all of these areas routinely checked, in order to stay safe on the road and contribute to road.

Driving fitness evaluations are key to knowing whether or not you or your loved one can continue driving safely. While some of us may be confident in our driving ability, a driving fitness evaluation may tell you differently.
 
The evaluation tests cognitive and emotional functions along with the physical ability to drive. In addition to this, older drivers should have their hearing and vision checked regularly as glasses and hearing aids could prolong your driving independence.

There are some medications that can affect your concentration, vision, and make you drowsy or dizzy; making it unsafe for you to drive while on it.

​Knowing the side effects of your medication means being knowledgeable of your driving ability. If you feel strongly about continuing to drive but are currently taking medication that can have unsafe side effects, talk to your doctor about switching medications. 

Here are some great tips for older drivers:

Prep your driving experience

​Put away your phone and get your radio or music set up, as well as set your navigation system before you even shift out of park to limit any additional distractions. Pull over to make any changes to your GPS and be sure to stay off your phone while driving. Try to avoid changing songs or radio stations while driving as well as resetting your navigation. 

Look into a new car

Think about investing in a newer car. Many newer cars have technology such as emergency braking, lane assist, and blind spot awareness to help with driver safety and awareness.

Make a plan for transportation

​Creating a transportation plan, much like a retirement plan, can help with adapting to new transportation methods. Consult with your doctor to find the point at which your impairments make it no longer safe for you to drive and get a timeline. Make a plan with a family member or loved one to arrange transportation to appointments and other engagements. Get out and walk in your own neighborhood to find places to go without needing to drive.

Think about alternatives

​Know that it’s ok if you are getting close or have reached the point where it’s no longer a viable option to drive yourself. There are plenty of options to maintain your independence with travel. If you have a loved one or family member who is willing, ask them to drive you where you need to be. Utilizing public transportation and rideshares are great opportunities as well. 

Celebrating a life rich in culture and experiences is what we are all about at Melody Living Lake in the Hills. Step out-on-the-town and enjoy transportation to local entertainment and cultural venues, new dining and shopping venues, doctor appointments, area *worship services, and plenty of outdoor recreation experiences.
 
Gone are the days where you need to upkeep your car or schedule pickups from friends and family. Melody Living’s accessible transportation services are an excellent resource for residents to enjoy whether they need to visit their primary care physician, are catching a movie or dinner downtown or are simply looking to get out and about. Our scheduled services are the perfect way to enjoy life on the town.

Visit our contact page to learn more about Melody Living’s transportation services and our community as a whole. Give us a call at 847.957.7070 to get additional information about our  assisted living community.