Do you know how aging affects driving?
Driving a car helps us maintain our independence. But, as we get older, our body goes
through a number of physiological changes, some of which can affect our driving ability.
Just because you start noticing these changes doesn’t mean you have to stop
driving! It means you should understand and adapt to those changes to continue to be a
safe driver.
What could you expect? Any or all of the following:
Changes in vision: After age 40, recovery from glare slows, ability to detect
near objects declines and peripheral vision shrinks.
Changes in hearing: After age 50, our ears begin to lose their ability to hear
high frequencies like horns and sirens.
Slowing reflexes: After age 55, the brain needs split-seconds longer to perceive
a danger and slam on the brakes.
Arthritic changes: Stiff hands, necks and backs make it harder to control a
vehicle.
Effects of medication: Senior citizens tend to take more medicine that can
result in drowsiness and blurred vision.
Science can’t turn back the aging process, but there are plenty of changes you can
make right now:
- Stay in good physical and mental shape through exercise and stress management.
- Periodically review state driving laws.
- When driving at night, avoid headlight glare by looking toward the white line on the
right side of the highway.
- Use side-view mirrors, not eyeglasses with sidepieces.
- If you have night vision problems, drive during the day.
- Allow more room between you and the car ahead of you.
- Your agent can give you a brochure that provides additional details on the effects of
aging on driving.
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