You are driving like my grandmother.
That is a statement that some people would say when they encounter a driver that is driving too slow. However, if you would look at the situation of older drivers, you would understand that they drive too slowly not because they are just normally slow but because of the physical changes that has happened with them. It is no secret that as we grow older, we suffer from a slower reaction time, and a blurry vision.
You still may have older drivers in your family and it is essential that you try to help these older drivers understand their situation. Making them understand and accept the reality that they may be at risk when they are driving is important in letting them be more aware that the task at hand, which is driving, is dangerous for people their age. Helping them would help them be less at risk.
An older driver may not be able to see just as clearly as younger drivers do. And driving really does mean that you have to have clear eyesight to be able to discern what the factors coming up at you while on the road. There may be an accident up ahead and there may be flying everywhere. Now if you do not have really clear eyesight, you may not be able to steer clear of those flying parts. If you have an older driver at home with you, try to talk them into having their eyes checked at least once a year. It is better to be on the safe side. If they need spectacles, then let them have spectacles.
If there are courses for new drivers, there are also refresher courses for older drivers. The American Automobile Association is one of the organizations in the United States that offers such a course. Through these refresher lessons, an older driver would be given more knowledge on how one's driving skills is affected as one ages. Suggestions on how to still be a good driver despite the age and physical changes are also shared to attendees. Some of these driving courses also test their students on their driving abilities. Factors like reaction time and deciding on situations on the road are assessed. Solutions to such problems are also given so that these older drivers would still be safe while behind the wheel.
As people age, they tend to take in more medications to help them stay healthy. However, some of these medications have side effects which could make a driver be more at risk. Check the medicines that the older driver at home has and see if these can bring about drowsiness, or dizziness. If these have such effects, do not allow them to drive.
