Tips For Seniors To Check And Improve Driving Skills

Assisted Living Facility

Do you think your driving abilities are deteriorating or could be improved? It is true that the driving skills of a person can decline with aging, but there are a few things that you can do to improve your skills. Senior care experts in our assisted living facility share a few tips that can help elderly adults improve their driving skills. Read ahead to know.

Tips For Seniors To Improve Driving Skills

• Have a driving rehabilitation specialist, occupational therapist, or other skilled professional evaluate your driving abilities. You can look up a driving expert in the American Occupational Therapy Association’s national database, or you can contact your doctor or the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state for a recommendation.
• The RoadWise Driver Course from the American Automobile Association (AAA) is made to assist senior citizens in adjusting to age-related physical changes so they can prolong their safe driving careers.
• To evaluate your skills, use an online self-assessment like the one from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Obtain feedback about your driving from your loved ones, including any concerns.
• Enroll in a driving safety course. If you successfully complete this type of course, certain auto insurance companies may even reduce your premium. You can get assistance finding a local resource from businesses like AARP or your auto insurance provider.

Signs That Your Loved One Should No Longer Drive

Are you concerned about an elderly loved one using a vehicle? You might have to observe the driving skills of the person or request them to give their driving a self-evaluation. If it’s not possible to observe your senior loved one’s driving up close, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Numerous car accidents, near misses, or fresh dents or scratches on the vehicle.
• Two or more traffic fines or warnings within two years.
• Increases in auto insurance premiums because of poor driving
• Remarks from friends or neighbors regarding unpredictable, aggressive or reckless driving.
• Complaints about the driving habits, unexpected lane changes, or speed of other drivers.
• Recommendations from a physician to change driving habits or stop driving completely.

If you are unable to drive, you can consider alternate transportation options. You can also consider renting a car or using a ride-sharing service. Even if these may seem expensive, keep in mind that owning and maintaining a car can be costly. If you no longer need to pay for car payments, insurance, maintenance, gas, oil, tolls, and other associated costs, you might be able to afford alternate forms of transportation or buy petrol for friends and family who provide rides.