How To Navigate The Unique Challenges Of Safe Driving As A Senior

As you get older, many things in your life start to change. From your day to day routines to your mobility and everything in between, there are natural challenges that develop in life that may require us to change the way that we do things. As things such as your vision, hearing, and reflexes start to decline with age, you may begin to worry about your ability to drive safely and provide yourself with reliable transportation. Especially living in Los Angeles where traffic can be at an all time high, it is important to take measures to avoid any risk of a car wreck.

Los Angeles is known for its intense traffic, reporting upwards of 100 incidents daily. It can already be scary getting out on the road knowing this, but it can be even more alarming when you start to worry about your vision or your reaction time. To keep yourself confident in your ability to drive safely, you can take several steps to help mitigate the risk of a traffic incident or a car wreck.

Vision And Hearing

It is natural to experience changes in your vision and hearing throughout your life, with some people’s eyeglass prescriptions changing as often as every year. As you notice yourself starting to experience challenges with your vision or hearing, it is important to visit a professional to evaluate your current driving capabilities and prescribe any necessary treatments. Some people are medically required to wear prescription glasses while driving, and others may be asked by their doctors to avoid driving at night or even stop driving altogether. By regularly scheduling exams, you can stay vigilant for any risks of cataracts, glaucoma, or hearing issues that could affect your ability to drive safely.

Safe Driving Practices

It is no secret that Los Angeles traffic can be treacherous, so it is important to take any safety precautions possible to protect yourself. Primarily, avoiding rush hour by driving during off-peak hours can greatly reduce your risk of being involved in an automotive incident. It would also be good to ensure that you are familiarized with your routes, accounting for any potential shortcuts or reroutes. This can help you to limit stress and confusion in the event of detours or closures. However, whether or not you are familiar with your routes, using a GPS system or a navigation app can keep you updated of any changes to your trip in real-time.

Safety Features

Especially in newer vehicles, there are a number of innovative safety features that can greatly help you to avoid potential risks for a car wreck. Some of these technologies include:

• Adaptive Car Technologies: Features such as collision prevention systems and lane-departure warnings are found in many modern vehicles and can greatly reduce awareness toward any risks for a potential incident. Likewise, rearview cameras have become popular over the past few years, proving especially beneficial for seniors who have difficulty straining their necks to look behind them every time they back up.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Similar to features like collision prevention systems, advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control can help to ensure that you are driving safely. By regulating your vehicle’s speed based on its proximity to other vehicles on the road, adaptive cruise control helps you to maintain a safe distance while the function is active. Additionally, automatic brakes are a safety feature that uses sensors to detect potential car wrecks and either prevent them or limit their severity by engaging the brake system.

Understanding Your Limitations

As your life changes, there are many things that you may need to do differently. When it comes to driving, there is a lot at stake. The safety of yourself and other drivers is on the line, so it is important to assess yourself to determine whether or not you should visit a doctor to evaluate your driving capabilities. If your eye doctor thinks you should avoid driving at night, make sure you are home by sunset. Take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe, and if all else fails, you can prepare for the worst by teaming up with a qualified personal injury lawyer who can help you in the unfortunate event of a car wreck.

Shawn Gozarkhah: Helping Car Wreck Victims Receive Justice In Los Angeles, CA

Are you in need of an auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA who can help you to recover the damages you are owed after suffering a car wreck? Shawn Gozarkhah proudly brings over a decade of legal experience to the table, fully prepared to fight alongside the team at The Law Man Group to ensure that you are appropriately compensated for the damage done to your and your vehicle in your car wreck. Always do your best to follow senior driver safety guidelines, but be prepared for anything. Don’t wait to secure your future, contact us today at (818) 699-0492.