Is it still safe for me to drive?

Beyond the aches and pains or the need for an afternoon nap, making lifestyle adjustments to our lifestyle may be the most difficult thing about aging.

The one adjustment that might be the most difficult is the loss of independence. And for many seniors, independence equals driving. Few things diminish senior dignity and independence faster than losing the ability to drive.

Yet despite popular misconceptions, seniors are some of the safest drivers around. The experts at Hartford Auto Insurance indicate that the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. It’s risk factors like medical conditions, medication usage and reduced physical function that increase the risk for accidents and injuries involving older drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that, as people age, it’s important to reassess their skills behind the wheel. Ask yourself the following questions:

How is my eyesight?

Vision changes are a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t necessarily mean drivers have to give up the keys to their vehicles. Just keep up with your routine eye examinations. The NHTSA says having trouble seeing street signs and pedestrians, and handling headlight glare are common signs of age-related eye problems.

Can I control my vehicle?

Age-related loss of strength, coordination and flexibility can make it hard for aging men and women to control their vehicles. Some signs that drivers might be having trouble controlling their vehicles include trouble looking over shoulders to change lanes, difficulty moving foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal and difficulty turning the steering wheel.

Does driving make me nervous, scared or overwhelmed?

Drivers who feel confused by traffic signs and traffic (including pedestrian traffic) should stop driving until they can discuss the issue with their physicians. Medication can sometimes make drivers feel sleepy or confused or overwhelmed in otherwise normal driving situations.

Are my loved ones concerned about my driving?

Aging drivers may feel offended when family members question their ability to drive. However, the NHTSA notes that sometimes other people notice things about a person’s driving that the person does not. The concern expressed by loved ones should not be taken lightly.

Do I drive with passengers?

Driving with passengers, especially young children, means extra responsibility. As a result, such drivers owe it to

themselves and their passengers to honestly assess their driving abilities.

Modifications can make driving safer

There are some simple fixes and new technologies that can extend seniors’ time behind the wheel.

• Cushions and seat pads can alleviate hip and back pain

while sitting, and also can raise drivers up and improve their line of sight over the dashboard. Swivel pads can make it easier to enter and exit the car.

• Adaptive cruise control adjusts speed automatically to

maintain a consistent space between vehicles.

• Adaptive headlights, also known as steerable headlights, can

improve visibility by changing the direction of the light beam with the movement of the steering wheel.

• Pedal extenders help short drivers reach the pedals while

maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel and

potential airbag deployment.

• Hand controls move the “pedals” up to the steering

column, helpful when one has sensory changes in the feet from surgery or a medical condition.

• Blind spot warning and other sensors can detect oncoming

traffic, cars to the left or right of the vehicle, items behind the vehicle when reversing, and even if the vehicle has drifted out of the lane.

• Parking assist technology can steer the vehicle into a space

with little input from the driver.

• Voice control can do things like turn on the radio or adjust

climate control, avoiding distractions.

• Convex mirrors can increase the field of vision.

Seniors need to be honest about their abilities behind the wheel and discuss concerns with their doctors, but they can also take advantage of many tools available to make driving safer and more comfortable.