As you might be aware, driving becomes more difficult as we age. A great deal of auto accidents involve older drivers, and since we’re a popular destination for snowbirds and retirees, we often cater to older drivers at Avondale Nissan. So how can these valued customers drive more safely? Here are five safety tips for senior drivers, taken directly from the national DMV website.
Five Safety Tips for Senior Drivers
Try to avoid driving at night. Starting in our late thirties, our ability to see clearly diminishes gradually. That’s why you’ll frequently see older Americans using glasses when reading or driving. By limiting the amount of driving done during the darker hours, factors such as eye fatigue and decreased vision don’t have the opportunity to cause problems.
Read More: What to do if you get in a Car Accident
Avoid heavy traffic. Not surprisingly, we all generally try to avoid high-volume traffic situations, but this might be even more true for older drivers. If driving in heavy traffic is unavoidable, you might do well to leave earlier than usual to ensure that you have time to get to you appointment or destination on time. Additionally, perhaps plan alternate routes is a less stressful way is available.
Give yourself a little warm-up exercise. When older drivers sit in a single position for many hours on end, fatigue is bound to set in. That’s why, if you’re planning to drive for an extended length of time, it’s a good idea to do some stretching, focusing on your neck, shoulders and torso.
Share the road. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the roads are more crowded than they’ve ever been. There are motorcycles, bicyclists and RVs, and we’ve all got to share the road. By being prepared to handle these tricky situations, you can better tackle them when they arrive.
Read More: Nissan Murano Safety Ratings
Limit your distractions. More than ever before, our automotive lives are pretty consumed with potential distractions. Whether it’s radio dials, phones or other passengers, it’s tricky to keep your attention on the task at hand. Additionally, many newer vehicles have very busy infotainment screens, which can cause problems as well. Limit these distractions, and older drivers are bound to be better off.
Although it can often be a touchy subject to approach, it’s crucial to know how to keep the older drivers in your life safe when they hit their golden years. To learn more or to see some of our great vehicles for older drivers, such as the Quest and Murano, pay us a visit at Avondale Nissan!
