Help yourself to drive safely: Common worries and solutions…
Helping yourself drive safely
|
|
If you’re worried about… | Try the following… |
Visual decline |
Get eyes checked every year and make sure that corrective lenses are current. Keep the windshield, mirrors, and headlights clean, and turn brightness up on the instrument panel on your dashboard. |
Hearing loss |
Have hearing checked annually. If hearing aids are prescribed, make sure they are worn while driving |
Limited mobility and increased reaction time |
An occupational therapist or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist can prescribe equipment to make it easier to steer the car and to operate the foot pedals. |
Medications |
Talk with a doctor about the effects of medications you are taking on driving ability. |
Drowsiness |
Sleeping well is essential to driving well. If there are problems, try to improve nighttime sleep conditions and talk with a doctor about the effect of any sleep medications on driving. |
Dementia and brain impairment |
If there are any signs of dementia or brain impairment, limit driving and consult a doctor. |