No one wants to give up the keys…Staying behind the wheel enables us to maintain our independence and keep our minds sharp and healthy. With age come additional challenges that impact driving: arthritis, hip and knee replacements, joint pain – just to name a few! A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that seniors who stopped driving are two times more likely to suffer depression and five times more likely to enter an assisted living center.
Additional findings show that nearly 90% of seniors do not take advantage of simple, inexpensive vehicle adaptations that can improve driving safety and keep seniors on the road longer. Below is a list of just a few simple devices that can be purchased to help elderly drivers:
- Cushions and seat pads: Improve line of site and can help alleviate back and hip pain.
- Steering wheel covers: Improve grip for those suffering from arthritis or joint pain.
- Pedal extensions: Help drivers reach pedals and maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel and airbags.
- Mirror extensions: Improve visibility and help reduce blind spots.
- Leveraging devices: Allows drivers to use upper body to assist in vehicle entry and exit.
Occupational Therapists can help recommend specific devices to help with your individual needs. To find an Occupational Therapist near you, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association online at their website.
Many newer cars also have safety features that help you avoid accidents and stay safely on the road. We’ve found that a large number of our customers have never been shown how to properly utilize these safety features, such as back up cameras, blind spot indicator warnings and collision avoidance sensors.
None of the newer features replace good old-fashioned common sense and safe driving techniques; they are additional tools at your disposal to help stay safe and happy on our increasingly busy streets.
While there is no true “fountain of youth”, there are many things seniors can do to help stay on the road longer and reduce crash risk. We encourage you to stop by Addison anytime and consult with a trained technician who can help you find solutions that are right for you. Additionally, AAA has a helpful brochure entitled “Smart Features for Older Drivers”
Photo Credit: Debra Vela
