By Josh Sens for Via<\/em> Summer 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to safety, senior drivers get a bad rap. But motorists in their mid to late 80s actually have lower crash rates per mile driven than those in their early 20s. Still, due to a variety of factors – including cognitive changes and the side effects of medications – older drivers do face unique challenges. Addressing them can help everyone stay safer on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a driving checkup.<\/strong> A licensed driving instructor can conduct an in-car assessment to identify shortcomings, then suggest ways to compensate for them. Simple self-assessment can also be useful. For a handy quiz – along with plenty of other tools for senior drivers – go to seniordriving.aaa.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Train your body and mind.<\/strong> Simple fitness programs can improve the strength, flexibility, and endurance you need to drive safely. And brain exercises such as word puzzles can help sharpen your focus behind the wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your meds.<\/strong> Medications can have a big impact on driving skills. To find out what effect yours might be having, check out roadwiserx.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjust to slower reaction times.<\/strong> Planning your route ahead of time, avoiding busy highways, and allowing greater distance between you and the vehicles ahead can all minimize the need to make last-minute decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Josh Sens and Via<\/em> by AAA<\/a> for information to help people stay safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Josh Sens for Via Summer 2019 When it comes to safety, senior drivers get a bad rap. But motorists in their mid to late 80s actually have lower crash rates per mile driven than those in their early 20s. Still, due to a variety of factors – including cognitive changes and the side effects […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\n