Seniors Can Still Drive
The older you get, the less frequently you drive. Or, at least, that's what everyone thinks should happen. But who says seniors can't be just as capable behind the wheel as younger drivers? While getting older certainly doesn’t automatically mean giving up the driver’s seat, there are definitely small adjustments you'd need to make in order to stay safe, and that's regardless of your actual ability. From choosing the right safety features to keeping essential supplies within reach, here are 20 preparations to help senior drivers go the extra mile.
1. A Properly Adjusted Driving Position
First things first, don't underestimate the power of having the right seating position! Of course, all drivers should know this already, but proper adjustment can make driving far less tiring, especially on longer drives. Make sure you can comfortably reach the pedals without stretching, while keeping enough distance between yourself and the steering wheel.
2. A Large, Clear Rearview Mirror
As you've gotten older, you probably find that you can't turn your head as easily as you could when you were younger. A larger rearview mirror can therefore provide a wider field of vision and reduce the amount of movement needed to check traffic. Some drivers find an extended or panoramic mirror especially useful.
3. Blind-Spot Monitoring
Neck stiffness can also make shoulder checks uncomfortable—but that doesn't mean you should forgo doing them! Having a blind-spot monitoring feature would help provide an additional warning when another vehicle is traveling near you, so if your vehicle doesn't have it, it might be time to upgrade the system.
4. A Backup Camera
Backing out of a driveway or parking space can be difficult given that you can't see hidden obstacles. Thankfully, virtually all modern cars are equipped with backup cameras that give you a direct view of what’s immediately behind you, including anything that might sit below the rear window. If that sounds helpful, it could be another thing to install on your car.
5. Plenty of Following Distance
You should do this already, young or old, but the reason that leaving additional room between you and other vehicles is so important is that it gives you more time to respond. There’s little advantage in following another driver closely when traffic conditions are unpredictable, after all.
6. Regular Vision Checks
Even subtle changes in eyesight can affect how clearly you read road signs or judge distances. Always make sure to get your eyes routinely checked to identify problems early. Keeping your windshield and eyeglasses clean matters, too, as glare can worsen your visibility.
7. Daytime Driving Whenever Possible
It's no surprise that night driving comes with more dangers, so whenever your schedule allows, do your errands when it's still light out. That can make your tasks considerably less demanding. Planning around daylight hours can also help you avoid being caught on unfamiliar roads after dark.
8. Routes You Know Well
Familiar streets don't put as much stress on your mental workload as navigating complicated intersections does. So, when possible, choose the routes you know. Even a slightly longer but familiar path may be more comfortable and safer than a shorter one filled with surprises.
Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash
9. Automatic Emergency Braking
Another reason to upgrade your vehicle or its system? Modern driver-assistance technology can provide an important extra safeguard when something unexpected happens ahead—automatic emergency braking, for example, can detect possible collision risks and apply the brakes if you don't react quickly enough. No system can prevent every accident, of course, but this feature can be a useful backup.
10. Easy-to-Read Dashboard Controls
From tiny buttons to cluttered screens, if your dashboard is confusing you, it's time to swap it out. You want a simpler dashboard, with larger displays and physical buttons; that way, you can adjust what you need without taking your attention away from the road.
11. A Simple Navigation System
As mentioned, it's better to follow well-known routes than to pick an unfamiliar shortcut and get lost. A navigation system with clear spoken directions will therefore let you prepare for turns and exits well before reaching them. Another tip: remember to set your destination before pulling away.
12. A Trusted Backup Driver
On days when you may simply feel too tired or uncomfortable to continue driving safely, traveling with a trusted passenger (who can drive!) gives you the option to hand over the keys when you feel like it. Make sure to choose someone who's not only capable, but puts your—and everyone else's—safety first.
13. Scheduled Breaks
Long drives can become physically and mentally tiring sooner than they once did, so instead of pushing through discomfort, work in short breaks. These pauses give you an opportunity to stretch, walk around, and regain concentration, so you can get back on the road feeling refreshed.
14. A Well-Maintained Vehicle
You definitely wouldn't want your car to break down out of nowhere! To keep your car in tip-top shape, always make sure to bring it in for routine maintenance. Having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle regularly can also catch smaller issues before they become larger ones.
15. Roadside Assistance Coverage
More than regular maintenance, be sure your insurance covers roadside assistance. This means you won't need to worry when you require professional help with towing, tire changes, or lockouts. Keep the membership information and contact number somewhere easy to access, like your glovebox.
16. An Emergency Kit
Everyone should have an emergency kit stored in their car, but it's doubly important for seniors. Even short drives can occasionally turn into unexpected trouble. What should your kit include? Keep a flashlight, reflective warning devices, a phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and basic first-aid supplies on hand. Check batteries and anything with an expiration date periodically so they remain usable.
17. Supportive Sunglasses for Daytime Glare
Just as important as it is to have the right prescription lenses, you should also bring sunglasses to block out glare. Avoid excessively dark lenses, as they may make shaded areas and changing light conditions even harder to see.
18. Trips Outside Rush Hour
Heavy traffic is much more demanding, so again, when your schedule is flexible, avoid rush periods. The fewer vehicles on the road, the easier your journey may be, as it'll make merging and navigating intersections easier.
19. A Charged Cellphone Within Reach
Keeping your phone charged ensures you're always connected to your family members or emergency services if something goes wrong. Make sure it has enough battery before leaving, especially when you're taking a longer trip or traveling somewhere unfamiliar. Just don't look at it when you're on the move, though.
20. An Honest Understanding of Your Limits
Perhaps the most important thing to remember as a senior driver is to understand your limits. Have a realistic sense of which driving situations still feel comfortable to you. Adjusting when and where you drive will not only help preserve your independence, but it'll also make each trip safer.
