Canadian Automobile Association: Helping Aging Drivers
Tips for Older Drivers
As you age, your sight, hearing, judgement of speed and distance and reflexes diminish. For each individual, the degree to which and speed that our faculties diminish can very greatly.
The aging process also affects strength, flexibility and coordination — abilities we count on when we drive. These changes often occur so gradually that it may be difficult to gauge diminished ability until a collision occurs.
Watch for these common mistakes
The most common factors in crashes involving aging drivers are
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Improper left turns
- Confusion in heavy traffic
- Inattention
- Complications while backing up
- Failure to maintain a proper speed
- Hesitation in responding to new traffic signs, signals or pavement markings
If you find yourself, or someone else, committing these driving mistakes with increasing regularity, consider a refresher course or self-imposed driving limits.