Winter Driving Tips for Seniors

The start of winter means colder temperatures, fewer hours of daylight, and the chance of snow and ice. This can make driving more dangerous for anyone, but especially for seniors. Their vision and reflexes may not be quite as good as they used to be, but not bad enough to keep them from driving. For many, driving is a way to maintain their independence and have the freedom to come and go as they please.

Before your senior hits the road, make sure they are prepared with these winter driving tips:

1. Get the car serviced. Have a professional check to ensure that everything is in proper working condition. This includes inspecting the belts and hoses, battery, cooling system, heat, and fluids. Replace the windshield wipers if they are worn and make any other necessary repairs to prevent more serious issues.

2. Check the tire treads and pressure. These can affect how well the tires grip the road and navigate through poor conditions. You may want to consider putting on snow tires for better traction and wear and tear.

3. Limit nighttime driving. When the sun goes down, the roads can become more dangerous. Falling temperatures can lead to icy patches which can be more difficult to see in the dark. It can also be more challenging for seniors to navigate unfamiliar roads or those which are less traveled and may not be cleared and salted as well. Pay attention to the weather forecast and road conditions to decide if it is safe to venture out regardless of the time.

4. Pack emergency supplies. Keep warm clothing and blankets, bottled water, and nonperishable snacks in the car for emergencies. It is also recommended that your senior have a cell phone with them in case they need to call for help. Cat litter or sand can be useful for gaining traction and getting out of icy patches, or having a small shovel to clear away snow.

5. Know how to handle breaking and skidding. Skidding on ice can be frightening and cause people to lose control of their vehicle. Reiterate the importance of breaking slowly and leaving plenty of room when coming to a stop or turning a corner. If they do happen to skid, they should turn into the skid, not out of it.

6. Stick to the main roads. Main roads tend to be more heavily traveled and kept up with. They are often the first to be cleared and treated. If your senior should run into car trouble, it is better to be on a main road where it is easier to find assistance then off on a back road where traffic may be sparser.

Make sure that your senior is well prepared for the winter weather and their car is in top condition and the gas tank is full. If you know that a storm is coming, consider helping them with shopping and errands beforehand so they won’t have to travel until things have cleared up.