Everyone ages, but growing older doesn't have to mean giving up an active life.
Here are some suggestions about how to cope as an active senior driver:
Vision:
We know that our eyes change with age
- Get regular eye exams
- Limit driving to daytime hours if you have trouble with night vision
- Turn your head to the left and right frequently to compensate for a loss of peripheral vision
- Keep headlights, windshield and mirrors clean
- Consider installing a larger rearview mirror to increase your range of visibility
Alertness:
We know that we react more slowly as we age
- Leave more room in front of the car
- Eliminate distractions such as a loud radio
- Plan your route ahead of time
- Use side roads if the freeway feels too fast-moving
- Check to see if your medications can cause drowsiness