Information for Adults & Seniors

Drivemaster JC may be able to help the aging driver in your family. A consultation and behind the wheel lesson at a minimum charge is the first step. Contact Clara for more information. The below driving guide also provides helpful information for safe driving at any age.

A Driving Guide For Seniors

For many drivers over age 50, changes in vision, hearing and reflexes can affect driving ability. Fortunately, most difficulties can be corrected and independence maintained. Let's take a look at how, over the years, driving ability is affected and what techniques can be used to compensate.

Changing Senses Affect Driving Ability
As you grow older, it's possible that your ability to change focus quickly from far to near, and back again, will diminish. That can cause problems when you look from the dashboard to the road and back.

Depth perception can also weaken, so correctly judging the distance to an object-such as a stop sign-may be difficult. There may also be a slowing of reflexes, requiring more time to react to a situation.

Peripheral vision can be affected, too. That's your ability to see things to the side without turning your head. Lane changes and other traffic maneuvers become more tricky.

Hearing also plays a role. Hearing loss, particularly involving high frequency perception is common. That makes it difficult to hear traffic sounds such as horns and sirens.

Night driving can also be much more difficult since older eyes usually require extra light to see clearly. Temporary blind spots created by glare from headlights and taillights are common.

Regular Eye, Ear Exams Are Important
Should you stop driving because of these changes in your abilities? Probably not. But you should know about these problems and take steps to keep yourself qualified to drive safely.

One of the best ways is to have your eyes examined regularly. Many of the problems already discussed point to symptoms of glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases. With early detection, you can treat problems that could otherwise reduce or even destroy your vision.

Regular hearing tests are also important, as are regular physical examinations.

All are as important to safe driving as what you do behind the wheel.

Ways To Become A Better Driver
With these basics taken care of, here are a few simple, effective techniques to help you become a better driver:

• Difficulty in changing focus.
  Improve visibility by making sure eyeglasses, windows, mirrors and lights are clean before starting out. When choosing a car, select one with large, easy-to-read dials and symbols. Keep dashboard lights adjusted properly.
• Peripheral vision.
  Check sideview mirrors often. Keep lane changes to a minimum, always signaling and looking to the side before moving. Wear glasses with narrow frames that won't block your side view.
• Depth perception/reaction time.
  Increase the distance from the car in front to allow ample stopping time. Travel at the speed limit and no faster. Look away from the road as little as possible.
• Hearing.
  Listen carefully for horns and sirens. Keep radio turned low or off. Keep conversations with passengers to a minimum.
• Night driving.
  Avoid wearing tinted glasses. Try not to drive long distances at dusk or night. If you do, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness before starting. To reduce glare, look at the lower right side of the road instead of directly at oncoming traffic.

Responsible Driving: No Age Limits
By following these guidelines and practicing these coping techniques, there's no reason you can't go on driving safely for as long as you want. Responsible driving has no age limits!

Driving Guide from State Farm Insurance Companies statefarm.com(TM)