The number of senior drivers has increased by more than 60% in the last 20 years, according to the CDC. One of the reasons for that could be that so many seniors are choosing to grow older in their own homes. Seniors who are aging in place often drive themselves to medical appointments, shopping, and other places. Seniors should have home care services so that they have someone who can help them get around.
While driving after age 65 gives seniors more independence it can also increase the risk that they will be involved in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 220,000 seniors were injured in traffic accidents just in 2020. And more than 67% of senior drivers will be involved in an accident at some point.
But there are things that senior drivers can do to lower the risk of having an accident. Seniors who want to keep driving as they get older need to do these things to help prevent accidents:
Get Senior Home Care
Understandably, seniors want to keep driving themselves as they age. But it’s also a fact that seniors have slower reaction times and other physical challenges that can make driving difficult sometimes. With home care, seniors will have a trusted care provider who can drive with them to make sure they are driving safely. The home care provider can also take over driving if necessary.
Only Drive During The Day
An easy way for seniors to lower the risk of accidents is to only drive during the day. When seniors drive at night they have a higher risk of having an accident. It’s also not safe for seniors to drive early in the morning or at dusk when there is very low light. Seniors who must drive when the light is low or at night should always have someone in the car with them. In the winter when it gets dark early seniors may need home care to make sure they are safe when they are out driving.
Don’t Drive In Bad Weather
When it’s storming, snowing, or very windy seniors should stay home and not drive. Or, they can take a rideshare or a cab if they want to go somewhere. But there is a much higher risk of seniors being in a traffic accident when the weather is bad. Slippery roads, poor visibility, and slower reaction times are a recipe for a potentially bad accident.
Get Vision And Hearing Tests Every Year
In some places, seniors are required to take a vision test each year to renew their driver’s license. But even if a vision test isn’t required seniors should get one yearly. They should get a hearing screening also. If seniors experience a big change in their vision or hearing then they may have to stop driving for safety’s sake. Regular vision and hearing tests will give seniors and their families peace of mind.
Sources: https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/senior-driver-facts-and-statistics/
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/older_adult_drivers/index.html
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/older-drivers/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Oakland PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, Squirrel Hill.
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