Driving Safety Tips You Should Know

Some adults, when they reach retirement age and above, worry about losing their independence. One of the contributing factors to feeling this way is the prospect of losing their driver's license. They feel that if they can't drive where they want when they want, they will no longer remain independent. Granted, not everyone's driving skills diminish as they age. However, it is a distinct possibility for many.

In pursuit of safer driving for retirement-age individuals, we've put together a list of some driving safety tips. Though they are geared toward those in their golden years, many of them apply to drivers of any age. You can never be too careful when it comes to getting behind the wheel of an automobile.

We'll give you our complete list first, then expound on a couple of points.

A List of Driving Safety Tips for Retirement Age Individuals

Here are a number of things to keep in mind and put into practice if you'd like to drive safer, longer:

• Keep your driving skills updated.
• Focus on the road when you're driving, and put away your cell phone.
• Only when both you and the roads are in good condition should you drive.
• Know your limitations.
• Make sure your medications are properly managed.
• Schedule regular hearing and vision tests.
• Try, as best you can, to remain physically active.
• If inclement weather and/or night driving makes you nervous, avoid it.
• Purchase and drive a car with as many safety features as possible.
• Know the route you're going to take ahead of time. Consider using GPS if you are unsure.
• To allow more time to change lanes, brake, etc., put extra space between you and the car in front of you.

Safety Features

Many of today's newer cars have safety features that weren't even imagined decades ago. Some of these include navigation assistance, self-parking/parking assist, backup cameras, automatic crash notifications/forward collision warning, lane deviation warnings, and more.

GPS

By familiarizing yourself with your route ahead of time, and possibly even using GPS during your trip, you stand a better chance of getting where you're going without too much trouble. GPS may even be able to route you around construction, heavy traffic, etc. Is GPS always correct? No, it is not. So, try to explore your route online before you go.

Medications

The reason you should make sure your medications are managed for safer driving revolves around the effects some meds can have on an individual. Cold remedies, pain/sleep medications, tranquilizers, and some prescribed medications may make you feel dizzy or drowsy – or both.

Recognizing Your Limitations

There is no shame in recognizing your limitations when they occur. It's better to get there safely by asking someone else to do the driving. Don't endanger yourself or others if your driving capabilities have diminished. Between friends, family, Uber, and other transportation options, you can get where you need to go and get there in one piece.

Leave the Driving to Us When You Reside at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh

Courtesy of our Expressions Concierge and our Connections Transportation programs, you can arrange a trip to your doctor, a show, a restaurant, a picnic location, and more. Just contact the concierge and they will work out the arrangements for you. Bring a friend or two and make it a real day to remember. Though you may never want to leave the incredible grounds, you do have to keep appointments now and then. You can rely on our transportation services to get you where you need to go and back again.

Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the scenery. Leave the driving to us.