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.

Should Your Senior Still be Driving?

Driving is an activity that requires many different skills. Failure to pay attention, change lanes correctly, or react quickly enough can all have negative consequences. As people age, there can be many factors that impact their ability to drive safely. While many seniors see driving as a significant part of retaining their independence, it is important to ensure that they are safe behind the wheel. Although it can be a difficult conversation to have, sometimes it is necessary to discuss alternatives to driving.

If you have concerns about your loved one’s driving, go for a ride with them. Evaluate how well they adapt to changing conditions around them, if they abide by posted signs, if they can find their way without getting lost, and are overall safe drivers. Go on both slower, less congested roads, as well as faster-paced highways. This can help you to determine if perhaps they might be okay sticking to short, local routes as opposed to longer distances.

The following factors can all impact driving ability:

• Vision: It is important to not only be able to read road signs but also notice objects in the periphery. Drivers need to be alert to what is happening all around them and be able to see obstacles or potential dangers.
• Hearing: Hearing sirens, honking, and other noises can help drivers to stay safer and move out of the way in emergency situations.
• Dementia: The onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s can make it unsafe for seniors to drive. They may become confused or agitated while behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. They may become lost or disoriented traveling from one place to another, even if it is somewhere they know well. The person may also confuse the brake and gas pedals, turn signals, or other functions.
• Medications: Certain medications can impact driving ability. They may make people drowsy or confused or slow their reaction time. Talk to the doctor about potential effects of prescription medications and how they may impact driving.
• Mobility: Those with decreased mobility may have a more difficult time driving. Their reaction time may not be as fast, and it could be difficult or painful to move as required to check blind spots or safely turn or change lanes. Arthritis can cause still muscles and make grasping and turning the steering wheel more challenging.

Be alert to any dents or scratches on the car. This could indicate that your loved one is not as safe or alert as you may have thought. Paying attention to their driving and factors that may cause impairment can help you to keep your senior and others on the road safer. It can be a difficult topic to bring up, but necessary when it comes to their safety and security.