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
