What Does Safer Driving Look Like for Your Aging Adult?

Posted: 12/7/2017 7:29 AM by Interim HealthCare
Your aging adult may have been driving for decades, but if she's not driving safely, that's not going to do anyone any good. Here are some things to look for when it comes to driving and your aging adult.

Taking a Defensive Driving Course for Seniors
Defensive driving courses specifically for senior citizens focus on the concerns that your elderly family member is likely to have when it comes to driving. As an added bonus, completing these courses can often result in an insurance discount for your aging adult.

Leaving Plenty of Space Between Herself and Other Vehicles
One of the bigger problems for anyone when driving is leaving too little space between their own vehicle and the one in front of them. This can lead to needing to brake too quickly in order to avoid an accident or any number of other issues. Defensive driving training will help to remind her of this, but it bears repeating.

Anticipating the Need to Brake
If your senior isn't realizing that she needs to apply the brakes until it's almost too late, an accident is much more likely to occur. The more aware that your senior is of how well she's able to anticipate this situation, the better for her.

Avoiding Heavy Traffic Whenever Possible
Heavy traffic or rush hour driving can be extremely stressful for an elderly family member to drive in. Scheduling appointments and activities for other times and other areas can be just what she needs in order to keep driving safely.

Sticking to the Rules of the Road
If your aging adult is having a difficult time adhering to the laws of the road, she's much more likely to collect tickets and possibly wind up in accidents. Many states offer refresher courses for older drivers so that they can remember the rules of driving.

Knowing When to Let Someone Else Drive
Possibly the safest thing that your senior can do behind the wheel is to know when it's time to step to the side and let someone else do the driving for a bit. Hiring senior care providers is a great way to allow your senior to make that decision when it's right for her.

If your aging adult doesn't understand why you're so concerned, it might be time to have a talk about driving and the fact that you want her to be safe.

Learn more about home care services for your senior loved one.