Driving is an important part of being independent and mobile. As you get older, you probably want to keep driving for as long as you safely can. There are many factors to think about when it comes to driving safely as you age.
Physical changes
Many older people are safe drivers with a lot of valuable driving experience. Decisions about your ability to drive should not be based on age alone.
But changes in your vision, hearing, reflexes, and physical fitness may cause safety concerns for driving. These changes can put you at higher risk of a motor vehicle crash.
As you get older, think about any changes that are happening, and how these changes may affect your driving. You can adjust your driving habits so you can stay safe on the road, or you can use other types of transportation.
Vision
You need a good vision to drive safely. It's common for people's vision to decline with age. To see well when you drive:
- Always wear your glasses, and make sure they are a current prescription.
- Don’t wear sunglasses or tinted glasses at night.
- Keep your windshield, mirrors, and lights clean.
- Sit high up in your seat so you can see the road at least 10 feet in front of your vehicle.
Hearing
Good hearing is
important for safe driving. You need to be able to hear other drivers’ horns and emergency vehicles.
To hear what’s around you while driving:
- Be alert to sounds outside your vehicle. Keep the radio volume low and ask your passengers to keep background noise to a minimum.
- If you wear a hearing aid, be careful when you open the windows of your vehicle, because the drafts may affect your hearing aid.
- Watch for flashing lights of emergency vehicles. You may not be able to hear the sirens if they are far away.
Physical fitness
Having less strength, coordination, and flexibility can affect how well you can safely handle your vehicle. To make sure you are being safe:
- Stay physically active. It’s one of the best things you can do as you age. Do activities you enjoy, and consider stretching, strengthening, and cardio (such as walking) exercises.
- Check with your healthcare provider if you have pain or swelling in your feet, or stiffness in your arms, neck, or legs. They may prescribe medicine or physical therapy.
ReflexesPart of safe driving is reacting quickly when things happen without warning. These tips can help you react as quickly as possible or give you enough time to react:
- Plan your route ahead of time.
- Drive in familiar places where you are comfortable with the road conditions and traffic patterns.
- Drive during the day and avoid rush hours.
- Avoid driving when the conditions are bad, such as heavy rain, lots of snow, or slippery roads.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you.
- When you come up to intersections, look to the side roads and directly ahead.
- Try to make left turns at intersections with the green left-turn arrow signal.
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel all the time.
- Stay focused on driving. Don’t talk on the phone, even with a hands-free device.
More ways to drive safely
Here are more ways to help keep yourself and others safe when you drive.
Drive soberNever drive if you've been drinking alcohol or using cannabis or other drugs.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medicines might affect your driving.
If you're not alert enough to drive, ask for help to get home safely. Call a friend, family member, cab, or ride-share to take you home.
Avoid speeding and follow all posted speed limits.
Be patient when you drive through an area with a lower limit, such as a school zone or residential area. Lower speed limits can give you more time to react in a dangerous situation.
- Be aware of any challenges you have and how they affect your driving.
- Listen to your friends and family if they say they are concerned about your driving.
- Talk about driving with your doctor and think about possible side effects of any medicines.
- Take a driving class for older adults to refresh what you know.
- Think about other ways you can get around in your community.
Refresh what you know
You can take a driver education or refresher course for older adults to keep up your knowledge and skills. These courses also give you important driving safety tips.
Contact the Canada Safety Council or the
Alberta Motor Association for more information.
