Feats of Independence: Keeping You Safe on the Road
Let’s be honest: as older adults, we can’t always do everything we once did. One thing that many older adults struggle to maintain, at one point or another, is driving safely. Eventually, it may be time to turn in the car keys and rely on other methods of transportation. Until then, here are some ways you can stay safe on the road.
Stay Healthy
It might seem like exercise and diet have little to do with driving, but they really do have a considerable impact on this task. Studies suggest that regular, focused exercise can increase reaction time while driving for people ages 55 and above. Walking with a friend, taking a water aerobics class or even lifting weights are all excellent ways to get fit and have fun. However, exercises that challenge you to think quick, such as tennis, combined with a healthy diet will really get your wheels turning.
Get Some Sleep
According to the National Sleep Foundation, driving while tired can be just as bad as driving drunk. If you’ve been awake for 18 hours or more, the effect is similar to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent (in most states, 0.08 percent is the legal limit). Being tired can make it hard to pay attention to the road, and it wreaks havoc on your response time. If you are having trouble keeping your eyes open, drifting in and out of your lane or yawning a lot, you are too tired to drive. If you find yourself in a situation where you are driving while drowsy, pull over and take a nap or call for help. It may be inconvenient, but it could save your life, as well as others.
Keep up With Doctor Visits
Your doctors get lonely when you don’t come around. Go visit them and get regular checkups while you’re at it. There are a host of medical factors that can affect your ability to drive, so you want to keep tabs on them. Your eyes and ears are especially important when it comes to driving safety. Our senses of sight and hearing naturally worsen as we age. If you don’t get new prescriptions and continuing advice from your doctor, you could be putting yourself at risk on the road. You should also talk to your physician about any medications you are taking and whether or not they will impact your driving ability.
Don’t Take Risks
Sometimes, taking a big risk is the best choice. Proposing marriage to your significant other, moving cross-country for a job and skydiving are all big risks that can have big rewards. However, when it comes to driving as an older adult, taking risks is a bad choice. Know your limits and stick to them. If you have trouble seeing at night, only drive during the day. If driving while it is raining becomes stressful, wait for the rain to pass. There is no shame in making smart choices to keep yourself and the other drivers on the road safe.
If you still feel confident behind the wheel, it may not be time to give up driving yet. Just remember to stay healthy, stay rested and be cautious. Take your time and enjoy the freedom of the road.