Here are some safety tips for senior drivers, because they often face special physical and mental challenges that can put them, and other drivers on the roads, at greater risk for accidents and injuries.

Safety Tips for Senior Drivers:1. Slow Down

Reaction speeds are generally slower for senior drivers. But studies have shown that 90% of those who can’t react fast enough at high speed do just fine when they drive just 10 mph slower. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2006.)

2. Get your Eyes Checked Regularly

Most of the information we need to drive safely comes through our eyes. And as we age, depth perception, peripheral vision and night vision can all decline. That puts older drivers at greater risk. Regular eye exams, wearing corrective lenses when necessary will keep you on the road longer... and safer.

3. Have your Hearing Checked

Hearing loss is common in older drivers. High frequency tones, like those from sirens and horns, are usually the first to go. For senior drivers, hearing aids can help restore those missing tones. And awareness that they are gone can tell you to pay more attention for them.

4. Stay in Shape

Driving is a physical activity. Getting enough exercise, even if it’s just a 20-minute walk several times a week, keeping flexible and keeping your stamina up will allow you to maintain better control of the car.

5. Plan your Trip in Advance

You’ll be much less confused if you plan your route before getting in the car. Look at a map if you’re unfamiliar with the road. Plan where you’ll need to make turns, especially left turns. And give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going.

6. Back Off

Since senior drivers often have slower reaction times, you can compensate by leaving a greater stopping distance between your car and the one in front of you. This will give you plenty of room to stop if the car in front of you makes a sudden stop or turn.

7. Clean the Glass

Make sure all windows are sparkling clean. Senior eyes need more light to process visual information. A 60-year-old driver needs 10 times more of it than a 20-year-old. Keeping your windshield, side and rear windows clean will let more of that light in, increasing visibility and decreasing distractions. (source: AAA foundation)

8. Know and Respect your Limitations

Senior drivers are often the best judges of what they can and can’t do. If you know you have trouble with night vision, limit your driving to daylight hours. If you find freeways confusing, take side roads. Consider if you should not drive in bad weather or during rush hours or perhaps drive only on routes you are very familiar with.

9. Go Back to School

Take a “Safe Driving for Seniors” course if one is offered in your area or find one online. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles, a local chapter of AAA or AARP to find one. This kind of refresher course can not only make you a safer senior driver. It might also help in lowering your insurance costs.

10. Take a Break

One of the last safety tips for senior drivers is if you’re driving long distances, take frequent breaks. Get a cup of coffee, take a walk, stretch, move your arms to get your circulation going. Staying alert is the best thing senior drivers can do to stay safe on the road.