Age-related changes in health affect a person’s driving skills significantly. Nonetheless, affecting skills does not mean that the elderly person should give up driving completely. Different tricks can cater to deteriorating driving skills.
For your convenience, here we have mentioned some driving tips for senior citizens that can help elderly people cruise around the Emirates safely.
Senior Citizens Driving Tips
Following are some driving tips for senior citizens that aid them in driving safely.
Get A Physical Examination
The first and foremost advice is to get a thorough physical examination at least twice a year. This is because stiff joints, vision issues and reflex actions are usually affected by the age that can hurdle smooth driving. Make sure the medical assessment should include a vision and hearing test, as these two senses are most used while driving.
Besides, if you are diagnosed with any of the medical conditions that affect driving, it is advised to quit driving for a certain period.
Adjust Your Car
Moving forward, the next on the list of driving tips for senior citizens is to adjust your car. Before you start driving, sit in the car and adjust it as per your needs. Start by adjusting the seat and the headrest, making sure the seating position is comfortable. If you are unable to adjust your car seat, here is how to adjust your car seat properly.
Alongside the car seat, adjust the rear view and side mirrors and also wear seatbelts. Moreover, create a car maintenance checklist and strictly adhere to it to avoid mechanical failures while driving.
Avoid Rush Hours
Driving in rush hours and crowded places can be stressful, especially in places with multiple types of vehicles like motorbikes, cars, trucks and others. Therefore, it is suggested that senior citizens should plan their journey ahead and avoid driving during rush hours and crowded places.
Know Your Limits
Senior citizens must be aware of their body’s maximum driving efficiency. Any driving condition that is exhausting or causes fatigue should be avoided. For instance, many elderly people have night vision problems; such people should avoid driving during the night.
Limit Distractions
Avoiding distractions when behind the wheel is necessary for everyone. First, put your phone on the dashboard and turn on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. Furthermore, keep the volume of the audio system at an optimum level and avoid eating or drinking while driving.
Buy Car with Driver-Assist Features
Automobile brands are now rolling off vehicles with driver-assist and modern car safety features that make driving convenient. That said, senior citizens should opt for vehicles equipped with advanced features like lane departure systems, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control and others.
Opt for Known Routes
Being familiar with the routes helps in driving conveniently and efficiently. Therefore, it is recommended for elderly people to opt for known and safer routes. Avoid fast tracks, highways and other roads with heavy traffic.
Check the Weather Before Driving
The next driving tip for senior citizens is to check the weather before leaving home. Senior citizens are advised to drive only during normal weather conditions. Driving during rain, sandstorms, or hail is difficult and might lead to accidents. However, in case of an emergency, only opt for familiar routes. Besides, here are a few more things you can do when driving in bad weather.
FAQs
At what age do most people stop driving?
There is no set age when anyone should stop driving; it varies from individual to individual.
Why is it hard for older people to drive at night?
With age, it takes longer for the eyes to adjust to different light conditions, especially from brighter environments to darker ones. Therefore, driving at night becomes difficult for elderly people, and they should adhere to all the recommended safety tips for older people.
Can I get a driving licence in UAE at the age of 80?
Yes, if you have all the necessary documents and have passed the medical and driving examination, you can obtain a driving licence. Here is the complete process of getting a driving licence in the UAE.
These were the driving tips for senior citizens. Driving at an older age can get difficult due to multiple physical conditions. However, it can be catered to using safety and driver-assist features. That said, several modern cars are equipped with features that aid in safer driving. If your car does not have these features, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and opt for a car equipped with advanced features.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more safe driving ideas for older adults.
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