The Elderly and Safe Driving
Sharen Dever
South University Online
The Elderly and Safe Driving
Being able to drive a car is something most of people look forward too. As teenagers they achieve their independence and freedom. Driving gives people the ability to go visit their friends, see a move, or go shopping without having to ask someone else for a ride. As people age, they rely more and more on their vehicles to get them to work, to go to the doctor, and to continue to keep their independence. A lot of older people are capable and have a lifetime of valuable driving experience. Unfortunately, the elderly are not always able to retain their ability to continue to drive throughout their entire lifetime.
As people get older, they have changes in vision, physical fitness and their reflexes may cause safety concerns. There may always be the question of whether an older person should have their drivers’ license revoked just because of their age. If they can accurately assess these changes then maybe their driving habits can also be adjusted so that they stay safe on the road. Just like anything, it depends on the person as to what their skills and abilities may be.
Good vision is important for good driving safety, but as people age, everyone experiences a decline in vision. An appointment should be made to get an eye exam at least once a year. The doctor will be able to determine if there is a need for glasses, a new prescription or if there are any other vision impairments associated with aging. Avoid driving at night if night vision is a problem and keep the cars’ windshield and headlights clean. Everyone should be aware of the environment and road conditions at all times.
Loss of strength, coordination and flexibility can make it hard to safely control a vehicle. An elderly person can plan their route in advance. Staying on roads that they are familiar with and avoiding major highways may help. One problem that older people have is being...