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Age is not the sole criteria in determining driving safety. Certain physical changes do occur with aging and can affect one’s ability to anticipate and react to driving situations. As more of the “baby boom” age move past 55 years of age, more attention is being placed on this groups driving habits to assist them with driving safety. The fastest growing group is people over the age of 70 with more than 19 million people driving in the United States alone. Statistics show driving habits of this age and driving group change and are more likely to be involved in multiple vehicle accidents than even teenagers. Also driving safety decreases with more traffic citations issued to this age group for failing to yield, turning improperly, running red lights and stop signs.

As people age, reduced vision capacity, diminished hearing and slower reaction times affect driving safety. Even if vision is normal, “mature” eyes lose some contrast sensitivity, which is critical to driving safety. Loss of contrast sensitivity can make it difficult at night or on very bright days to see road hazards which may change driving habits. As well, hearing loss makes drivers less able to hear honking horns, screeching tires and emergency sirens. Despite these potential problems, age and driving remain valued treasures for independence and mobility. Many compensate by making changes in their driving habits. They may limit their driving habits to daytime hours, avoid driving in inclement weather or during heavy peak traffic times.

Here are some driving safety tips for all drivers:

1. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination, so you are not rushing if traffic becomes slow and create the possibility of road rage.
2. Know where you’re going and map your route out ahead of time so you aren’t distracted by looking at a map while you are driving.
3. Maintain solid driving habits by avoiding potential distractions like the radio, cell phones, conversations with passengers, or eating.
4. Take a refresher driving course, regardless of your age, about defensive driving to maintain driving habits.
5. Stay alert and give plenty of room to react to cars in front of you.
6. If you are uneasy in heavy traffic, change driving habits and avoid driving during peak hours.
7. Have your car serviced and maintained on a regular basis to avoid problems while on the road.