Senior driving safety is important. Here are four ways you can maximize your safety on the road.

1) Vision-90% of the information used in driving comes through your eyes! Things YOU CAN DO to adapt to vision changes:

• Adjust mirrors properly before beginning to drive
• Check rearview mirrors every 10-20 seconds
• Turn your head and look when changing lanes, merging with traffic, and when using mirrors
• Avoid driving at night
• Watch the outside lane markers so you do not look directly at oncoming headlights

2) Memory and Attention-driving a car requires:

• Making decisions quickly
• Switching attention quickly among multiple activities on the road
• Dividing attention among multiple tasks
• Memorizing information

            Strategies to keep your attention on the road:

• Put your sunglasses where you can easily reach them
• Have money ready for bridge or road tolls
• Know where you are going before you start your trip to avoid fumbling for a map
• Turn the radio off or to a low volume
• Ask passengers to keep conversation to a minimum during the drive
• Watch your temper when other drivers perform rude or dangerous maneuvers
• Drive on familiar roads to reduce stress

*Remember: sleep and rest affect your alertness!

3) Strength and Endurance

• Continue the exercise habit
• Ask your health care provider about any health concerns before starting your routine
• Get plenty of sleep and rest

To get regular exercise:

• Take advantage of the programs and equipment offered in your area
• Get involved with a walking program
• Contact the YMCA or Jewish Community Center

4) Health Conditions and Medication Changes

• The more medications you take, the greater the risk for side effects and negative drug interactions that can influence your ability to drive safely
• Plan to drive when you are the most alert considering the cycle of your medications
• Older adults are more susceptible to adverse reactions to medications because of the number of medications taken each day and because the physiological changes due to aging affect how the medications react in the body

*Be sure you know how you react to a medication before getting behind the wheel!

Alcohol also affects your alertness.

• Alcohol is processed more slowly and stays in the body longer
• The use of any amount of alcohol can intensify the actions of many medications
• Even a couple of drinks with dinner affects driving