Stay Safe Behind The Wheel​​​​​​​

Awareness of agerelated changes and how to compensate for them can keep you driving safely.

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When drivers reach the age of 60, the number of motor vehicle accidents per mile driven begins to increase – and it gets much higher after the age of 75, according to the American Geriatrics Society. However, while some functions essential to safe driving deteriorate with age, such as visual acuity, hearing, and reaction time, that doesn’t mean all older drivers should hand in their keys.

“Many older drivers face higher risks because they frequently have more medical conditions that may affect their driving abilities,” says Rebecca Chatterjee, MD, a geriatrics specialist at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, US.

You can remain safe on the road by being aware of the age-related changes that may occur and following these strategies:

1 Get yearly hearing and vision screenings. Always wear your glasses, hearing aid, or other prescribed corrective devices when driving.