Safe Driving After Age 60 – Is Your Eyesight Affecting Your Driving?
Categories: Catatracts, Elderly Driver, Eye Problems, Older Drivers - Tags: anti-reflective coating, Eye problems, fatal collisions, motor vehicle crashes, night driving vision, older drivers, peripheral vision, safety tips for drivers, slower visual reaction time
If you are age 60 or older, driving might be riskier than you think.
Normal age-related changes such as reduced peripheral vision and slower visual reaction time can affect driving safety. Eye problems such as early cataracts can compromise night driving vision, even before symptoms become apparent.
In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury in adults between the ages of 65 and 75, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
To stay safe on the road, follow these safety tips for drivers over age 60:
Use extra caution at intersections. A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found 40 percent of fatal collisions involving older drivers occurred at intersections. The most common reason for these crashes was a failure to yield, especially when making a left turn.
Avoid driving on unfamiliar streets at night. The National Safety Council says traffic death rates are three times higher at night than during the day. Consider reducing your night driving when possible, and avoid routes with poor lighting.
Don’t use your cell phone while driving. This is a bad idea at any age, and older drivers are slower to react to a driving emergency, even without the distraction of a cell phone. Have your eyes examined annually. The American Optometric Association recommends yearly eye exams for anyone over age 60.
Ask about eyewear features that might improve your driving safety. Lenses with anti-reflective coating, for example, can help reduce glare at night. Schedule an appointment today by clicking the button below or calling 850.932.4184.
