Senior Driver: Driving Safety Cycle
How Aging Affects Driving Safety
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Reduced vision – especially at night. | |
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Difficulty judging distance and speed. | |
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Limited movement and range of motion. | |
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Slower reaction time. | |
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Difficulty focusing attention for long periods of time. | |
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Easily distracted. | |
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More time needed to understand what we see and hear. | |
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More use of prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs that may impair your driving ability. |
The Driving Safety Cycle
PLAN: Before you begin driving, plan your
route, make sure your car is properly prepared and make alternate
transportation arrangements when appropriate.
SCAN: Pay close attention to what is happening all around you. Look and listen for situations that may require you to react quickly.
THINK: Consider how safety will be affected by what you have seen or heard.
DECIDE: Decide how to handle the situation so you feel in control.
ACT: Apply good judgement to eliminate unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.
Deciding When to Stop Driving: Warning Signs
| 1. | Increasing number of near collisions. | |
| 2. | Direct involvement in minor collisions. | |
| 3. | Difficulty seeing pedestrians, objects and other vehicles. | |
| 4. | Difficulty co-ordinating hand and foot movements. | |
| 5. | Increased nervousness when behind the wheel. |
Transportation Alternatives
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Public transportation. | |
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Friends and family members who drive. | |
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Keep your vehicle and have others drive for you e.g. volunteer driver programs. | |
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Scheduled or customer call request van/bus pick-up. | |
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Taxi voucher system. | |
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Community access bus or van pools. |
Personal Reminders
| 1. | What age-related factors affect your driving? |
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| 2. | What changes will you make to keep driving safely? |
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| 3. | How will these changes benefit you? |
Road Safety. It starts with you.
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