We've all seen it: The little old man or woman hunched over the steering wheel, squinting ahead while doing 20 miles an hour in a 40 mile an hour zone. And it's not uncommon to hear about accidents caused by elderly drivers who step on the gas pedal instead of the brake. You may think you're years away from such mistakes. The truth is, however, that our driving ability begins to go downhill at about age 55. That doesn't mean you can't or won't drive safely into old age. Some 80-year-olds are better drivers than people half their age. But in general, your driving skills fade the older you get, and it's best to be prepared now for the changes.
There are several reasons why driving becomes more difficult as we get older. One is that our vision changes. The amount of light entering our eyes decreases, and we take longer to recover from glare. It also takes longer for us to refocus when looking from far to near and vice versa, as in going from glancing at our speedometer to checking out what's down the highway in front of us. Colors become harder to see, especially red—the color of brake lights. Our peripheral vision narrows.
Another problem is that our hearing declines with age. It gets harder to hear sirens, horns, and other warning sounds such as railroad chimes. And our reflexes slow, which means it takes longer to make split-second lane changes or to slam on the brakes if need be.
How do you know if you're becoming an unsafe driver? It can be difficult to assess your own driving skills. Generally, though, consider the possibility that you should no longer be driving if:
- You've had several minor accidents or close calls
- Other drivers honk at you frequently
- You have trouble reading road signs
- You get lost on familiar roads
- You find yourself unable to concentrate while driving
- People have spoken to you about your unsafe driving habits
Just because your driving skills are not what they used to be doesn't mean you necessarily have to stay off the road completely. A safe-driving course can reacquaint you with road rules and refresh your skills. You can also agree to certain driving limits. For instance, ask a friend or family member to map out the best routes for you to travel to the grocery store or doctor's office, if you make those drives often. Travel only on roads that are well lit, have well-marked lanes, and have clear signs and signals. Avoid roads with heavy traffic as well as ones that require you to make left-hand turns, which are more difficult than right-hand turns. Consider driving only in the daytime and at off-peak times. And be honest with yourself-if you're no longer safe on the road, ask others to drive you. You'll be doing yourself and everyone else a favor by turning in your keys.
Source:
AAA Seniors, www.seniors.com.
