elderlysafety.com

A recent study showed that the elderly driver was second to the young driver when it came to accidents on the road caused by driving. This is often due to many facts, the elderly person simply might not have the fast reactions they once did, they suffer from aching joints which move slower and their concentration isn’t what it used to be at one time. However all is not lost for the elderly driver and there are certain things that they can do to ensure that they remain safe whilst driving and so lessen the risk of being the cause of an accident.

When it comes to staying firmly in the driving seat then the elderly should look at what they are capable of and are not and then work on the strengths and developing their weaknesses. There are many things that should be taken into account and these include

• Give some thought as to how much you can see after the sun goes down, for instance if you have trouble seeing to walk in the dark then you are going to have many problems when it comes to driving. If this is the case then avoid driving at night, this also includes driving very early in the morning for example before sunset
• Take into account any medication that you are taking, if you drive then always mention this to your Doctor as some medication can cause problems with eyesight and ca make you feel drowsy
• If you have poor eyesight and wear spectacles then it is essential that you never forget to wear them while driving. It is also essential that you have regular eye checks and replace your spectacles as necessary to ensure your vision is as near perfect as possible
• If you plan on going somewhere you are unsure of then plan the route out beforehand, this can prevent an awful lot of stress and aggravation which are sometimes the main causes of road accidents through lack of concentration
• Always give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going, never, ever rush this is another leading cause of accidents
• Always remember that if the worst comes to the worst and you have to give up your driving licence it isn’t the end, there are other means of getting from A to B and staying safe and alive is much more important Ensure you have the right type of car

It is essential that you also have the right type of car; this can go a long way to helping you stay in the driving seat. Along with this you should keep as fit and active as possible, have check ups on a regular basis and take advice from your Doctor. Important points to consider when it comes to your choice of car include

• Ensure you can see the panels clearly in the car and can read the indicators clearly
• If you have problems with your eyes then tinted windows can reduce the glare
• Power steering can make handling the car much easier
• Installing a navigation system can help when it comes to directions and travelling in places you are not used too
• Installing special seating in the can help if you have trouble with joints and in particular the back and legs