Driver safety: Tips to keep you on the road

You can't avoid getting older, but you can take steps to reduce the effect aging can have on your ability to stay safe while driving. Follow these driver safety tips.

Driver safety requires more than an understanding of road signs. Your health can affect your ability to drive safely. As you get older, you'll likely notice changes to your body that can make actions such as turning your head to look for oncoming traffic or driving at night more of a challenge.

Getting older doesn't mean your driving days are numbered. Take control and understand how your body's limitations can affect your driving. Follow these driver safety tips to help you maintain your independence.

Stay physically fit

As you age, your muscles generally become weaker, your joints stiffen and your flexibility decreases. Your reflexes begin to slow as well. The accumulation of these effects makes certain elements of driver safety more difficult. Physical fitness helps counter these changes. Staying physically active improves your strength and flexibility, which may help with such actions as turning the steering wheel and looking over your shoulder.

Consider activities such as walking, riding your bike or playing tennis to help you stay fit and improve your driver safety. Combine these with stretching and strengthening exercises. If you aren't currently active, talk to your doctor about ways to get started.

Know your medications

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness or a slow reaction time, reducing driver safety. As you get older, you become more sensitive to these effects.

Read the labels of your medications so that you know what to expect from each one. Medications that might cause drowsiness include antihistamines, sedatives, drugs that treat depression and diabetes, and strong painkillers.

Don't drive if you've taken medications that cause drowsiness. Ask your doctor if another medication that doesn't have this side effect is available.

Have your vision and hearing tested regularly

Your hearing and vision, particularly your night vision, tend to decline as you age. Impaired hearing may impede your ability to hear an approaching emergency vehicle or train. Common vision problems that can interfere with driving include:

Cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of your eye. Cataracts cause your vision to become blurred or hazy. Cataracts may also make you more sensitive to light and glare, making it more difficult to drive at night.
Glaucoma. This group of conditions — characterized by abnormally high pressure inside your eyeball — causes diminished peripheral vision, which makes it more difficult to see a pedestrian or vehicle approaching from the side.
Macular degeneration. This condition causes you to lose the central portion of your field of vision. Without central vision it becomes harder to see pedestrians or other cars coming toward you.

Ask your doctor how frequently you should schedule examinations. Even if you think your hearing and vision are fine, stick to your doctor's recommended exam schedule. Problems may be easier to correct if caught at an early stage.

Understand your limitations

Many medical conditions become more common as you age and can make driving difficult. Know what your limitations are and make adjustments. For instance, if your hands hurt when gripping the steering wheel, look for a steering wheel cover that makes holding and turning the wheel more comfortable.

Other conditions that might affect your driving include:

Arthritis. Painful joints can limit your ability to look in the rearview mirrors, look over your shoulder and bend your knee to step on the brake.
Diabetes. This blood sugar disorder can damage the nerves in your hands, eyes and feet. This can slow your reaction time and limit your vision. And, if your blood sugar levels dip too low, you may feel dizzy and shaky, become confused or even lose consciousness.
Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is a neurological condition that causes rigidity, slowed movement and tremors. These may affect your ability to turn the steering wheel and make quick movements.
Stroke. A stroke is caused by an interruption in blood flow to your brain. Damaged brain tissue may result and can cause balance problems, diminished vision, and loss of muscle control on one or both sides of your body.

Ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist who can suggest ways to make driving easier for you. An occupational therapist may offer assistive devices to help you drive or suggest specific exercises to help you overcome your limitations.

Manage your health conditions

Keep on top of your health by following your doctor's recommendations to help you manage any disease or condition you may have. For instance, if you have diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions for managing your blood sugar. This can help you avoid low blood sugar levels while you're behind the wheel.

Drive under optimal conditions

When possible, drive during the daytime, in good weather, on less busy roads and in familiar areas. Plan your route to avoid rush-hour traffic. Delay your trip if the weather isn't good.

Beyond road conditions, make sure you're in optimal condition to drive, too. Don't drive tired. Don't drive angry. Never drive if you've had any alcohol. Alcohol has a greater effect on older adults. Abstain from alcohol if you know you'll be driving.

Plan ahead to avoid distractions while driving

When you get in your vehicle, be prepared to drive. Plan ahead so that you can concentrate on driving. Avoid distractions such as adjusting the radio, eating or talking on a cell phone. Plan your route ahead of time so that you don't find yourself trying to read a map while driving. Call ahead for directions that include landmarks to watch for, such as a school, church or water tower. Knowing your route also reduces the stress you might feel when driving in an unfamiliar area.

Adjust your vehicle to meet your needs

Consider updating your vehicle if it's becoming difficult to drive. There may be some new features that can be added to your existing vehicle. For other adjustments, you may need to look for a new vehicle.

Features such as large mirrors, good visibility, power windows and door locks, and an automatic transmission may help you overcome physical limitations you may have. And you may find a bigger car easier to get in and out of. An adjustable driver's seat may make you more comfortable and give you a better view of the road. Larger dials on your dashboard may be easier to read. Adjusting the brightness of your instrument panel may make driving in the dark easier.

Update your driving skills

Organizations such as AARP offer refresher courses for drivers age 50 and older. You may also get a discount on your car insurance, depending on your policy. Driver safety courses may also be hosted by organizations in your community that serve older adults or by a community education program.