Safety Facts for Mature Kentucky Drivers
Kentucky Department of Transportation Safety
Although experts agree that driving ability begins deteriorating around the age of 55, drivers have widely differing skills. While some drivers continue to drive safely well into their older years, studies show the crash rate per mile driven rises steadily for drivers age 65 and older.
| |  | Seven Mature Driving Issues
1. Vision
As you age, it becomes more difficult to distinguish detail, and your ability to focus slows. A 60 year old driver versus a teenager needs twice as much time for the eyes to adjust to changes in lighting, and three times as much light to see properly. From about 40 years old and beyond, it becomes increasingly difficult to recover from the glare of oncoming headlights. On the average, recovery time slows another 50% every 12 years. Drivers base 90% of their decisions on what they see, making good vision imperative to safe driving.
What can you do? - Get regular eye exams.
- Always wear your glasses.
- Keep glasses, mirrors and windshields clean.
- Sit high enough so you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car.
- Look to the lower right side of the road when there is oncoming traffic to avoid glare.
2. Physical Fitness
Driving requires physical activity. Diminished strength, coordination and flexibility can have a major impact on your ability to safely control your car.
What can you do? - Stay active, both mentally and physically.
- With your doctor’s approval, do stretching exercises and a walking program.
- Choose a car with an automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes.
- Sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel to avoid being injured by the airbag.
3. Attention and Reaction Time Driving requires dividing your attention between multiple activities and being able to react quickly to situations that often arise without warning.
What can you do? - Drive during the day, avoid rush hour and plan your route before leaving.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead.
- Keep alert to sounds outside your car by limiting conversation and background noises.
- Watch for flashing lights of emergency vehicles in case you cannot hear distant sirens.
- At intersections, look to the sides of the road as well as directly ahead.
- When possible, avoid driving during inclement weather.
4. Medication Some over-the-counter and prescription medications may cause drowsiness and lead to distracted driving. What can you do? - Talk to your doctor about your medications and the side effects.
- Read the labels for any warnings.
- Find another driver if your medication makes you drowsy or disoriented.
5. Keep Alert to Changes Be aware of your body’s changes and updates to traffic laws. What can you do? - Know your physical limitations and how they may affect your driving.
- Listen to what people you know tell you.
- Discuss driving with your doctor.
- Refresh your knowledge of safe driving practices and laws by taking a driver improvement course specifically designed for mature drivers.
- Begin planning for alternative ways of meeting your transportation needs.
6. Alternative Transportation Depending on where you live, there are often many ways of getting around town without having to use your own car. You may be surprised to find that any one of them is easier than driving your car. What can you do? - Learn what is available in your community (buses, taxi cabs, escort services, etc.).
- Check with KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living for possible transportation services.
- Ask questions about the services and schedules of each type of available transportation.
- Go with a friend who knows how to ride the bus to make your feel more secure.
7. Self Awareness: The Key to Safe Driving! While everyone wants to keep driving for as long as possible, no one wants to be a threat to themselves or to others because they are no longer able to drive safely. Be aware, and give up the keys if necessary. 
For more information... AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
(202) 638-5944, www.seniordrivers.org
AARP Driver Safety Program
(888) 687-2277, www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety Kentucky Department of Transportation Safety
(888) 374-8768, www.highwaysafety.ky.gov
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