Seniors need to live a safe lifestyle, including when it comes to driving. Below are some of the many tips you can use to help you stay safe on the road!
1. Brush Up On State Driving Laws
One of the best safe driving lifestyle tips is to brush up and study safety laws in your state. About 36.5% of New York residents are over the age of 50, so chances are, you’ll be sharing the roads with many other seniors. That means you need to brush up on all of your state’s rules and regulations for safe driving.
Consider asking your family and friends to review them with you, or consult an instructor who can help you understand the rules.
2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Road Ready
Your vehicle should always be in top shape before hitting the roads. Have a trusted auto repair technician give it a thorough checkup so that everything is working properly – brakes, turn signals, headlights, and other parts you’ll need while driving. In addition, business travel spending in the U.S. is up to $300 billion annually, meaning you might be able to have your car serviced for free or at a discounted rate.
3. Take Regular Breaks on Long Trips
Long trips can increase the risk of getting tired while driving. To avoid this, take regular breaks when you are on the road. Stop at rest stops or pull over to take a short nap if you need to. Make sure you are well-rested and alert before hitting the road again. Being well-rested is a great lifestyle tip that can help you stay safe.
4. Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers on the road. Kentucky and Tennessee are among 39 states that make it illegal to text while driving. It’s vital that you avoid all distractions when behind the wheel. Put your phone away, don’t try to multi-task, and focus solely on driving.
5. Stay Focused
Seniors might have a harder time staying focused while driving, especially if they are taking medication or have a medical condition. To stay safe behind the wheel, make sure you always stay alert and attentive while driving. Remember to look both ways at intersections and abide by all safety laws in your area.
In addition, it’s important to stay mentally engaged and aware of your surroundings. If you start to feel drowsy or tired, pull over and take a break. Consider taking a refresher course to help you stay up-to-date on the rules of the road and stay focused while driving.
6. Be Courteous
Be courteous on the roads and never drive aggressively or recklessly. Always signal before changing lanes, give way to pedestrians and cyclists, follow speed limits, and pass other vehicles with caution. Unfortunately, road rage is on the rise, so it’s important to remain courteous and mindful of other drivers on the road.
If you encounter an aggressive driver, put your safety first. Pullover or take an alternate route if necessary. You should also have hands-free technology, such as a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone, in your car. This will allow you to take calls without taking your hands off the wheel and possibly call the police for help.
These are just a few tips that seniors can use to remain safe while behind the wheel. For an extra layer of protection, consider signing up for defensive driving courses or taking refresher lessons to brush up on your skills and knowledge about safe driving. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and secure lifestyle behind the wheel!
Elor McDori
