The Truth About Senior Driving

Most of us have an image in mind when it comes to senior citizens and driving. We see the little old man do 35 mph in the fast lane of the interstate with a turn signal constantly flashing. Turns out that stereotype isn’t as accurate as one might think. And that’s a good thing for drivers of all ages.

Why? Elderly drivers currently only account for about 15% of the drivers on U.S. roads, but their numbers will triple – remember the Baby Boom – by the year 2032, according to elderlydriver.org. So the fact that the notion of older driver as menace isn’t accurate is a comforting one.

Myth: Senior citizens are consistently the most dangerous drivers on the road.

Fact: The most dangerous group driving on the road today by far is teen drivers. In fact, mature drivers, with their wealth of experience and safer cars, can be some of the safest drivers, according to the insurance information institute. Furthermore, the danger that teens pose is mostly to others, whereas those posed by elderly drivers apply mostly to themselves.

Myth: Old age automatically qualifies you as a bad driver.

Fact: Everyone ages at a different rate. Driving can be a touchy subject in households with seniors who refuse to minimize their driving based on physical limitations. Age however, does contribute many dangerous factors for driving such as loss of mobility, slowed reaction times, confusion, drowsiness, and impaired hearing and eyesight. After age 70, collision rates per mile driven increase significantly. An even more significant jump occurs after the age of 80.

Many older drivers adjust their driving habits on their own, but in some situations, pride and independence are too deep rooted to shake.  Remind your loved ones that unsafe driving can happen at any age. If you notice yourself frequently experiencing any of the signs of unsafe driving below, it might be time for you to limit your driving as well.

• Actions and reactions: Do you need more time to react to what’s happening around you? Do you going a different speed than everyone else on the road – slower or faster. Have you gotten multiple tickets – or maybe warnings from sympathetic officers? These could be signs that it’s time to scale back your trips.
• Anger and exasperation: Aggression toward other drivers could be extremely dangerous on the road. Have you noticed other drivers frequently honking their horns when you’re behind the wheel? Do you spend much of your time angry at other drivers? Your anger and that of others can cause unsafe maneuvers.
• Others’ reactions: Friends and family members make excuses to avoid riding with you.
• Missing the signs: Are you having trouble reading road signs – or even missing them altogether? Have you found yourself not seeing traffic signals until it’s almost too late.
• Depth perception: Are you failing to adequately judge the distances between cars? If you notice yourself frequently needing to stop short, it might be a sign that your depth perception is fading.
• Distraction and confusion: Do you get distracted easily or become drowsy or confused? Does driving make you feel uncomfortable or nervous?
• Playing the lanes: Do you find it increasingly difficult to stay in the lanes?
• Light sensitivity: Do you resist turning on your headlights? Is it because you have difficulties with glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights, bright objects?
• Declining physique: Are you having trouble turning the steering wheel quickly? Are you neck and shoulders strong enough to handle driving?
• Lost: Do you get lost or confused while driving, even in familiar areas?

If you notice that you’re exhibiting any of these symptoms, it could be time to re-evaluate your driving? Family members and other loved ones also should keep their eyes open for these signs, as well as unexplained bumps on your car, garage walls, or fences.

An important reminder

Remember that mobility can be extremely important for seniors due to their increased health requirements and the need for regular activity. Don’t expect all seniors to be open to the idea of giving up driving. It’s a matter of freedom to many older drivers – not an exercise in obstinacy.

The decision to limit or halt driving should always include the driver and should involve true discussion instead of an absolute statement. If you or your loved one does decide to limit driving, ensure a plausible alternative such as hiring a driver or planning a driving schedule.

Insurance matters

Insurance carriers typically offer discounts for drivers between the ages of 50 and 70 years old. If you or your loved one is older than 70, you could be in luck as well. In some states, drivers 70 years and older may qualify for discounts by completing a safe driving refresher course. If your loved ones keep driving, check to make sure they don’t have lapses in their liability coverage.

Many older people know exactly when to retire from their job. Retiring from driving shouldn’t be so different. As long as everyone’s rights are respected, the transition away from driving doesn’t have to be difficult.

Source: AutoInsurance