QUESTION: I lately had a fender bender and one other close to miss accident. I’m nervous and don’t need to lose my license. Are there any tips about methods to keep a secure driver as I grow old?
ANSWER: Staying secure on the street is at all times essential, and I applaud you for recognizing that you could be have to make some lodging as you grow old to make sure your security. As we age, there are pure modifications to our imaginative and prescient, mobility and reflexes that should be adjusted for whereas driving. This doesn’t imply you can not proceed to drive in a secure manner, however provided that are conscious of your limitations and may make any essential variations.
In case you are involved about your driving due to latest accidents or issues from associates or household, you might need to begin by taking a driving course. There are courses particularly designed for drivers aged 55 and older. They supply data on defensive driving, motorcar legal guidelines and any updates to guidelines of the street. These courses additionally deal with results that treatment, fatigue, alcohol, visible or auditory limitations have on an individual’s driving capability.
An additional advantage to taking a mature driving course is that it could qualify you for a reduction in your insurance coverage. You’ll find an inventory of programs right here https://www.dmv.ca.gov and looking out “mature driver enchancment applications.”
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Pay attention to any bodily modifications which will alter your driving methods. It is not uncommon to expertise imaginative and prescient modifications as we age. See your eye physician yearly and ensure any prescription for glasses or contacts is updated. When you’ve got hassle seeing at the hours of darkness, then in the reduction of on driving at evening.
Your reflexes could also be slower and stiff joints could make it harder to maneuver rapidly and switch your head to react. To make sure security, depart extra space between you and the automobile in entrance of you to permit extra response time to brake as wanted. Keep away from driving throughout rush hour or restrict the freeways you journey on. Keep in the correct lane that’s meant for slower driving. In case you are not feeling nicely, or there may be inclement climate, keep dwelling and restrict driving.
Ask your physician if any of your medicines or well being issues could make driving unsafe. Share your issues along with your physician with the intention to work collectively to make sure security.
Age associated modifications are completely different for everybody. There isn’t a set age when driving is not secure. As a substitute, every individual is liable for evaluating and guaranteeing his or her personal security. We should keep in mind this isn’t nearly ourselves, however for the protection of everybody on the street. Discover if individuals honk at you whereas driving, in case you get misplaced on acquainted roads, when you’ve got accidents or in case you discover you get distracted by driving.
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Be ready for days when you find yourself not snug driving or for a time when you might select to cease driving. Put together by studying about and making an attempt alternate transportation. Study concerning the native bus strains, Dial-A-Trip service or volunteer trip applications. When you have no idea the place to search for transportation choices, name 211 for data.
Figuring out your personal limitations is a crucial a part of staying secure. When you ignore your bodily modifications and proceed to drive such as you did 20 years in the past, you might run into hassle.
Be actually sincere with your self. If you realize in your intestine that you’re not secure driving, then have the nice sense and good grace to cease and guarantee you aren’t placing anybody else on the street at risk.
Martha Shapiro may be reached at Senior Issues at 805-497-0189 or by e-mail at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
