December 7-11 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

As we, age we experience changes. Whether mental, physical or sensory, these changes can impact older drivers skills. That is why the second week of December has been deemed Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.

Celebrated from December 7-11th, the American Occupational Therapy Association aims to raise awareness about active, older drivers and the importance of safe transportation. This week is an important opportunity for aging drivers and families to have a conversation about helpful solutions to common aging concerns.

The following are tips for seniors to practice safe driving:

Get your vision checked For seniors, eye health may change from year to year. Ensure your prescription is current and your corrective lenses are in working order.

Keep your vehicle clean Having clean windows inside and out is imperative to seeing well while driving. Additionally, periodically checking your wiper blades and cleaning your mirrors may improve visibility.

Drive defensively With many distracted drivers on the road, driving defensively is critical. Pay attention at intersections, leave enough space between you and the car in front of you, and brake earlier when coming to a red light or stop sign. Also, do not text or talk on the phone while driving.

Choose your car wisely Drive a vehicle with automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering. Ensure your vehicle is maintained regularly.

Get a good nights sleep Make sure you receive adequate sleep each night. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble staying asleep or if sleeping medications do not wear off in time for driving.

Be aware of your limitations Know what driving scenarios make you uncomfortable and adjust accordingly. If you have trouble seeing at dusk, drive during daylight hours. If bad weather makes you nervous, use another type of transportation, such as a bus, to get you to your appointment.

Talk to family members and loved ones Sometimes, you need to listen to the concerns of your loved ones. They may have legitimate reasons for you to take an honest look at your driving skills.

If you have been injured by a negligent driver, contact the auto accident lawyers at Gordon & Partners for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights. A personal injury attorney from our legal team can review the details of your incident and determine if you have a case.

Call 1 (855) 722-2552today or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.