Driving Tips

3 Night Driving Tips for Seniors

The older that we get, unfortunately, the older our bodies get. As such, we find many parts of our bodies degrading more than others— from our hearing to our eyesight. Unfortunately, poor eyesight can be a serious problem for driving, particularly at night.

Reduced visibility means slower reaction times, and greater anxiety navigating in your car. Needless to say, many seniors find themselves avoiding driving at night at all.

The good news is that even though your eyes may not be what they used to be, there are certain tips that you can follow that can help you drive your car safely at night, and maybe even enjoy it! Here are some of the best tips for conquering your night driving challenges, and getting where you need to go safely.

Get Your Eyes Checked

One of the best things you can do not only for yourself but for other drivers on the road is to regularly get your eyes checked. When you’re over the age of 65, you should get your eyes checked at least once a year, if not more.

Your doctor will be able to pinpoint any changes in your vision and change your prescription if need be. At some point, if your eyesight is so poor that it puts you and other drivers at risk, then it’s time to accept that you shouldn’t be driving at night anymore— or maybe even at all.

Check Your Headlights

It doesn’t matter how good your eyesight is, if you don’t have a working set of headlights, then you’re putting yourself in serious danger driving at night. It’s important that you ensure that your headlights are in working order before you drive when it’s dark. In addition to ensuring that they’re working, you should also make sure that they’re clean.

Excess dirt and debris can dim their brightness and work much less effectively than a clean set of headlights. Lastly, you want to make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. If they’re not aimed in the right direction, then they won’t illuminate the road the way that you need them to. When in doubt, take your car to your mechanic for a professional assessment.

Pull Over If You’re Tired

It’s safe to say that most people aren’t as alert at night as they are in the late mornings or afternoons. If you’re driving at night and feel yourself starting to nod off, do yourself a favor and pull over.  The last thing you want to do is fall asleep behind the wheel.  Not only could it lead to serious injury, but potentially even death. If you’re driving for long stretches at night, always take breaks or switch shifts with another driver so you have enough time to recharge.

What is your reaction?

Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0

You may also like

Comments are closed.

More in:Driving Tips