Tips Seniors Can Use To Drive Safely At Night

It’s often recommended that seniors rely on in-home care providers to drive them if they must go out at night. One of the benefits of in-home care is that seniors will have someone who can drive them to appointments or to run errands. But if seniors have to drive at night, they should use these tips to drive safely and avoid accidents:

Get Regular Vision Check-Ups

Regular eye exams are crucial for seniors. Vision tends to decline with age, and conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration become more common. Seniors should ensure that their eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions are up to date and suitable for night driving.

Get Anti-Reflective Coating On Eyeglasses

Consider getting eyeglasses with anti-reflective coatings, which can reduce glare from headlights and streetlights. These coatings can significantly improve nighttime visibility.

Clean and Adjust Mirrors

Keep all mirrors (rearview, side mirrors) clean and properly adjusted to minimize blind spots and glare. Adjust the rearview mirror to the “night” setting if your vehicle has this feature.

Dim Dashboard Lights

Dim the brightness of the dashboard lights to reduce the contrast between the instrument panel and the road, which can help reduce eye strain.

Use Headlights Correctly

Always use your headlights after dusk and during inclement weather. Ensure that both the headlights and taillights are in good working order. Use low beams when driving at night to reduce glare for other drivers, and switch to high beams only when no oncoming traffic is present.

Avoid Overexertion

Fatigue can set in more quickly at night. Try to avoid long drives after a tiring day or during your natural sleep hours. Plan for breaks to rest and rejuvenate.

Stay Alert and Focused

Pay close attention to the road and your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as texting or using a phone while driving. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and maintain a steady speed.

Keep a Safe Following Distance

Increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. This extra space provides more time to react to sudden stops or obstacles on the road.

Be Aware of Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause drowsiness or impair your ability to drive safely at night. Discuss your medications with your healthcare provider, and if needed, adjust your schedule or find alternative transportation when taking medications that affect your alertness.

Practice Defensive Driving

Be prepared for unexpected situations on the road. Anticipate the actions of other drivers, watch for pedestrians or cyclists, and be cautious when approaching intersections.

Plan Your Route

Before heading out, plan your route and familiarize yourself with the roads and landmarks. GPS navigation systems can also help provide clear directions.

Avoid Alcohol

Drinking alcohol before driving impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Even small amounts can be dangerous, so it’s best to abstain from alcohol entirely when driving.

Stay Informed About Road Conditions

Be aware of local weather conditions, road closures, and traffic updates. Check weather forecasts and traffic reports before setting out on a nighttime journey.

Consider Night Driving Aids

Some vehicles offer advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that can enhance safety at night. These systems include adaptive headlights, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Drive Within Your Comfort Zone

If you ever feel uncomfortable or anxious about driving at night, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted family member or friend for a ride or consider using rideshare services.

Reference
https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/senior-drivers-need-more-light-drive-safely

If you or an aging loved-one is considering in-home care in Scarsdale, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. (212) 201-6139