Driving can become more difficult for people as they age, and some changes make driving more dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Older adults may have stiffer joints and muscles, which can affect their ability to turn the steering wheel or brake safely. An individual may also find that it is harder to see road signs and notice sounds, such as horns. Additionally, older adults may have slower reaction times and reflexes. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has many suggestions for how older adults can make sure they are staying safe on the road. They suggest that older adults:
- Get vision check-ups once every one or two years and keep eyeglass prescriptions current
- Drive a car with large mirrors and power steering
- See a doctor if stiffness or arthritis seems to get in the way of driving
- Start breaking earlier and keep a bigger distance from the car in front of them
- Avoid high traffic areas when possible