| We may joke that 35 is the new 21, and | | | | a doctor that it is safe to drive, and if |
| declare that life begins at forty, but in all | | | | your instinct tells you not to get behind the |
| seriousness, our longer-lived population | | | | wheel, don't. |
| means that people are staying behind the | | | | |
| wheel at far more advanced ages then ever | | | | Some conditions that have been mentioned on |
| before. Drivers over the age of 75 have, as a | | | | accident claims are: |
| group, the highest rate of fatal daytime car | | | | |
| accidents. Often, this is due to the fact | | | | Diabetes: Senior drivers who are diabetic |
| that senior drivers don't always notice the | | | | must be aware of the related complications, |
| gradual deterioration of important driving | | | | like vision impairment and low blood sugar |
| skills, like response time and the ability to | | | | that could affect their driving ability. Low |
| make snap decisions. | | | | blood sugar can cause moments of |
| | | | disorientation and confusion in all |
| It is important for senior drivers to keep | | | | diabetics, senior citizens or not. |
| their behind-the-wheel skills sharp, and to | | | | |
| be aware of current traffic laws and driving | | | | Falling: Seniors who are prone to losing |
| trends. No one wants an accident to be the | | | | their balance, or have had more than one |
| first sign that there is a problem. As well, | | | | serious fall in the past two years should |
| staying safe on the road is a key to keeping | | | | probably not drive at all, or at least should |
| the insurance discount for mature drivers | | | | drastically reduce their time behind the |
| that many companies offer their | | | | wheel. |
| over-55-year-old customers. | | | | |
| | | | Neurological Disorders: Senior citizens in |
| If you have a senior driver in your family, | | | | the earliest stages of dementia may seem |
| or if you are one, here are some things you | | | | perfectly normal most of the time, but they |
| should be aware of: | | | | can become easily disoriented or agitated |
| | | | when faced with busy traffic, and this is |
| What do they drive? | | | | more likely to occur as the disease |
| | | | progresses. As well, they may get lost, even |
| The car a senior driver chooses makes a | | | | on familiar streets, confuse the pedals of |
| difference in how well they drive. Senior | | | | the car, or lose valuable response time. |
| drivers need to have vehicles that provide | | | | |
| greater freedom of movement, visibility that | | | | Accident Prevention |
| is unrestricted, and controls that are easy | | | | |
| to use. | | | | In addition to being aware of their own |
| | | | physical condition, seniors may want to |
| Items to avoid include seats that don't | | | | consider a few additional measures in order |
| adjust, heavy doors, and poorly designed | | | | to stay safe on the road. Having another |
| seatbelts. The latter should be easy to reach | | | | person in the car can often be helpful, if |
| and easy to engage. The seats should allow | | | | there are no relatives or friends to run |
| the driver to sit comfortably, and see the | | | | errands on their behalf. Family who can help |
| road, dashboard displays and rear- and | | | | out should offer, rather than waiting to be |
| side-view mirrors with no obstructions. Doors | | | | asked. |
| should be light enough for someone without a | | | | |
| lot of arm strength to pull completely | | | | As well, senior drivers may find that taking |
| closed, even in windy weather. | | | | a driving class to brush up on their skills |
| | | | may help them feel more confident behind the |
| Get Physical | | | | wheel, as well as help reduce their insurance |
| | | | premium a little more. If a general defensive |
| Because physical impairments (poor vision, | | | | driving class is intimidating there are |
| poor hearing, etc.) may be a detriment to | | | | special classes for senior drivers offered by |
| save driving, it is crucial that senior | | | | the DMV in several states, and AARP also |
| drivers see their primary physicians for | | | | offers their "55 Alive" driving class in both |
| annual check-ups, and ask if driving is still | | | | online and face-to-face formats. |
| safe. Specific questions that may be asked | | | | |
| are, "Where and when should I not be | | | | The golden years shouldn't be tarnished by a |
| driving?" and "What can I do to improve my | | | | lack of transportation. By being aware of |
| flexibility and strength?" | | | | their own limitations, and taking steps to |
| | | | compensate, senior drivers can safely stay on |
| In addition to general physical condition, | | | | the road for many years. |
| there are specific ailments common among the | | | | |
| elderly that could adversely affect driving. | | | | Maximize your savings without compromising |
| If you (or your senior driver) suffers from | | | | your safety with these auto insurance quotes. |
| any of the following, be sure to confirm with | | | | |