Richardson Automotive Body Shop

Older Driver Safety Tips Offered By AARP

Getting old is unavoidable, so why fight it? Every single day without exception, 10,000 people in the United States turn 65, and more than 80% of them are still out there being active and driving. But with the explosion in new-car  technology, added in with increased traffic congestion, older drivers have a lot more to deal with.

Every year in early December, the American Association for Retired  People (AARP) sponsors an Older Driver Safety Awareness Week to educate people on the obstacles that senior drivers face on a daily basis. At Richardson Automotive Body Shop, many of our customers are 65-plus, so we are very sensitive to this issue and happy to share it.

Back in 2014, AARP developed a Smart Driver Course, in order to use the results from new research gleaned by examining senior drivers' behavior and to see where some of the specific issues that older drivers experience. They were able to focus on the most serious issues that they encountered, including excessive speed, running through red lights, a failure to stop at stop signs, traveling in the wrong lane, and taking inappropriate left turns. If you live in  Richardson or anywhere in the state of TX, there is probably an AARP driving program near you.

AARP also discovered that older drivers should practice sharing the road with pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists. The organization's latest series of classes will now include some of these findings and offer an opportunity for older drivers to update their knowledge and skills about how to be more confident and independent while operating a car.

Additionally, the AARP is establishing a driving resource center featuring videos on the new leading car technologies, so that senior drivers can learn more about new vehicles, for when they're looking to purchase a new car in the future.

So, here are some helpful tips for older drivers. If you have a parent or grandparent who is a senior driver, you should heed to these suggestions as well:

• Always monitor your health. Stay vigilant about changes in your health or mood, including  your vision, hearing, memory and focus. Keep  current with your regular checkups and keep fit.
• Keep a safe driving distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Follow the three-second rule when following another car, so that you have enough time to react to any potential hazards.
• Avoid distractions.  Anything that causes your eyes off the road is a distraction and that includes using cell phone, eating, using a GPS, and adjusting your radio.
• Self-regulate. Avoid driving if you can during rush hour, when it's dark, or in inclement weather conditions.
• Be aware of others while on the road.  Bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians come with challenges, so always be aware of them, especially around intersections and when merging. 

Sources: AARP, NHTSA and Yahoo