We all age at different rates, but decline is inevitable, and there is no question it affects our ability to drive. After the age of 65 our reaction time slows, making it harder to multi-task, which is an important requirement for driving. We’re slower at retrieving and processing information and our spatial and visual-motor integration becomes challenged.

Our attention (a necessity for driving) also diminishes, as does the ability to search and scan. Vision is also compromised. We’re less able to see things at far distances, such as what’s happening up the road, and less able to focus on near objects, such as the odometer. As we age, we need more illumination to see, we’re more sensitive to glare and have compromised night vision.

Driving tips for senior drivers:

– Stick to streets you know.
– Keep radio, talking and noise to a minimum.
– Avoid driving in snow and ice conditions.
– Avoid driving at night, dusk and dawn.
– Read labels on all medication. Many can cause drowsiness and confusion.
– If you can’t turn your head to do a shoulder check, an auxiliary wide-angle view mirror would help.

If other drivers are frequently honking at you, if you’ve had several fender benders, if you’re getting lost on familiar roads, if you can’t keep up with traffic, if you’re missing traffic signals, or if you find yourself in more and more close calls, then seek professional help from a driving school to test your driving.

Contact Ambitious Drivers today to schedule your driving evaluation. (416) 293-6500

Many people misunderstand the role of the “designated driver.” A designated driver is a pre-appointed member of any group who will abstain from drinking alcohol, doing drugs, or smoking marijuana so that they can safely drive others home after an event. This eliminates the need to organize cabs or take multiple vehicles. A designated driver is not the individual who has had the least amount of alcohol to drink or the closest to feeling sober.

The easiest way to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time at any event is to plan how everyone is going to get to and from each location. By planning efficiently before any get-together, you eliminate any unexpected surprises and the designated driver of your group knows what to expect.

In the event that having a designated driver doesn’t go according to plan (the responsible driver gets too drunk or high to drive), you can utilize Operation Red Nose or other safe-driving programs in your area. Calling a sober friend or family member to come and get you, or taking a taxi or an Uber are also safe alternatives.