{"id":10850,"date":"2022-12-05T05:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T05:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=10850"},"modified":"2025-05-02T23:55:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T23:55:51","slug":"how-can-older-drivers-stay-safe-on-the-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/safety-knowledge-center\/how-can-older-drivers-stay-safe-on-the-road\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Older Drivers Stay Safe on the Road?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While it\u2019s true that teen drivers are at an increased risk of being involved in a car accident, they\u2019re certainly not alone. Older drivers are also very susceptible to accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 540 older motorists are injured every day in motor vehicle crashes, while 20 suffer fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the good news is that being older doesn\u2019t mean you should no longer be in the driver\u2019s seat (or that you should pay more for auto insurance for senior citizens<\/a>!). There are several steps mature drivers can take to minimize their risk of a car accident and stay safer on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age Is Inevitable, Talk With Your Senior Driver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step for older driver safety is to accept that driving won\u2019t last forever. Time brings changes to our skills and physical fitness that we cannot ignore. As a caregiver, it\u2019s important to let this be clear to the older adult in the family. Likewise, as a driver you have to start acknowledging it\u2019s bound to happen. If you\u2019re 65 years or older, you\u2019re in the age group that must start preparing alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know it\u2019s not easy! Being able to move on your own is a great advantage in your day to day life. To not depend on anyone else for transportation gives us freedom of movement and control of our schedule. Depending on where you live and your activities, it can also be a cheaper way to move around your area. Those are some of the many reasons why approaching the idea of not being able to drive due to age can be hard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, in order for older people to be safe, as well as those that drive around them, it\u2019s necessary to prepare for this with time and not address it until it actually happens. Why? It\u2019s better to be well informed about why it must be done, so it doesn\u2019t seem like it\u2019s just a punishment or a more convenient situation for caregivers. Sure, it will probably be an awkward conversation, but it\u2019s definitely worth it if it keeps everyone on the road safer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should gather useful resources and information, for example signs that aging is affecting someone\u2019s driving and alternatives that can be used (like public transportation and taxi services), and focus on the positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning Signs You Should Look For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no specific age when someone\u2019s driving is affected. So this is not the main factor you should be looking at. Instead, focus on their health and performance on the road. Specifically, think about what could affect reaction times, spatial ability and visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n