As a senior, there are many things to consider before you get behind the wheel. Are you still active, and do you have good eyesight? Even if you are still allowed to drive, you should follow safe driving tips. Old people are more at risk of accidents and bodily injury. However, there are ways to stay safe. They include things like proper auto insurance and emergency systems.
A good health plan (such as Medicare) can also help. You should also have an automatic dialling system for emergencies. Keep disease control, your car insurance company, and immediate family members on speed dial. During a global health emergency like COVID-19, social distance, and wear face masks in public. Even if you’re driving to nearby grocery stores, face coverings will keep you safe. Here are some more tips for senior drivers.
Change your driving style
Even if you’ve always been a good driver, change your driving style as a senior. Young drivers are more alert than seniors. As a senior, you have to be a defensive driver. Drive at a slower speed and pay extra attention even when you’re on an open road. Don’t keep the radio on too loud, and silence your cellphone. Also, remember to keep a more considerable distance between other cars. It will help avoid an at-fault accident if someone stops too quickly in front of you.
Keep yourself healthy
As a senior, you’re more at risk of bodily injury. A healthy driver is also a more alert driver. With viruses like COVID-19 in the air, it’s even more important to be safe. Read official COVID-19 updates like those from the World Health Organization. If you’re in the United States, follow CDC guidelines, like wearing face masks. Also, try to social distance as much as possible.
Face coverings reduce the spread of COVID-19. So, remember to wear face masks outdoors. It’s especially crucial in closed spaces like grocery stores. Make sure you wear your face mask correctly, so it stays in place. Also, get the right amount of nutrition to help your response times. And get enough sleep to reduce the risk of brain fog when you’re driving.
Get some exercise
Did you know that stiff joints make you more prone to accidents? It’s crucial to keep yourself active if you want to drive as a senior. Older people also often have nerve pain. A prescription drug plan can also limit mobility. It’s natural to suffer from joint pain as a senior. And, you don’t have to lift weights or do extensive cardio to fix it. It would help if you stayed active enough to drive safely.
Remember to insure yourself
When did you last check your vision? And sure, you have car insurance, but what about health insurance? Remember to get regular eye checkups to ensure you can see well enough to drive. Even after you do, don’t skimp on your health plan. An insurance company can help you get quotes for Medicare so you can get quality coverage. You can check with an insurance agent about the best health insurance. Ask about different Medicare plans, like the Medicare Advantage Plan.
Even if you’ve always had the perfect driving record, insurance is essential. Good auto policy and car insurance can help if an accident causes property damage. However, something like Medicare will ensure that you’re protected as well. Make sure you add all your personal information to an emergency contact form. List the email address, phone number (mobile and residential phone number), and zip code of immediate family members. Also, share details of your health insurance plan with your family.
Drive at the right times
An easy way to avoid an accident is to pick the right time to drive. Avoid driving at night, or during rush hour. Drive on an open road and use GPS in an unfamiliar area. If you’ve already had a few accidents, try to drive shorter distances. You can also make sure that you only drive in familiar areas. If you’re tired, in a bad mood, or are on substantial prescription drug plans, avoid driving altogether.
Pick the right tools
Do you have the right car for a senior? Pick a car with automatic transmission. Also, make sure it has power steering. Ergonomic car seats, heated seats, and keyless ignition can make driving more comfortable. Also, don’t forget about car insurance. Don’t pick the cheapest car insurance option. Ask a licensed insurance agent if you’re confused about what you need.
You can get an online quote for lower car insurance costs if you want cheap car insurance. Don’t let sales agents trick you with high auto insurance rates or an expensive car insurance premium. Check out different plans and read the insurance policy to get the best value. Ask a family member to help you search for a discount on auto insurance rates. You can also get free quotes or compare car insurance with iSelect, to ensure you get the best value.
Take refresher courses
Take a refresher driving course or educate yourself on new road rules. Remember, teen drivers can get away with the bare minimum, but you need an extended driver’s course. Your past driving record is not enough to keep you at the wheel, especially if you’re on a prescription drug plan. Even with a clean driving record, it’s a good idea to test your driving ability as a senior.
Keep your memory sharp
It would help if you kept your memory sharp as a senior driver. If you don’t, you can miss exits, or forget to brake in time. No face masks, car insurance, Medicare, or sales agent can help you here. Read a book or a newspaper. Remember, watching too much of the news doesn’t count. It can have the opposite effect and damage your mental health. Instead, spend your time on puzzles, crosswords, and brain teasers.
Consider emergency car technology
A good driving record and low car insurance rate is not enough. You also need emergency car technology. As a senior, you can get a discount on items that prevent at-fault accidents. Things like sensors, emergency braking systems, and lane assists are of great value. Also, invest in adaptive headlights. Don’t forget automatic crash notifications and blind-spot warning systems. There is also technology to alert drivers who are drowsy at the wheel.
