Whether senior citizens are covered by elderly car insurance or not, or are viewed as one of the safest driving groups on the road, safety driving tips are important and necessary to prevent road accidents and personal injury as the process of aging slows down reflexes.
Avoid Driving When Exhausted
- Once signs of fatigue start to creep in, pull over and have a break.
- Early warning signs are: tired eyes, yawning, poor concentration, restlessness, slow reactions, and drowsiness.
- Driving between midnight to 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3p.m. should be avoided if possible.
Safety on the Driveway
There is a large blind spot behind every car.
- Give way to pedestrians and all traffic when entering and leaving the driveway.
- Small children can be impossible to see from inside a car especially when they are immediately behind it. They should be supervised for their unpredictable actions.
- If possible, someone should be asked to watch you reverse in the driveway.
Follow Road Roundabout Rules
- Slow down while approaching a roundabout.
- Prepare to give way to traffic already inside it.
Before Merging or Changing Lanes
- Always signal in advance.
- Check mirrors and blind spots.
Maintain a Safe Gap and Use the Three-Second Rule
- Watch the vehicle in front of you pass a stationary object at the side of the road.
- Count “1000 and 1, 1000 and 2, 1000 and 3.”
- If you pass the stationary object before you finish counting, you are following closely.
- If a vehicle moves into your safe gap, slow down and repeat the rule. It will only add a few seconds to traveling time.
Blind Spot Coverage
A vehicle can move into one’s blind spot in a matter of seconds.
- Blind spots should be checked before changing lanes or moving from a stationary position. Look over shoulder behind and beside you.
- Pedestrians, bicycle riders, motorcycles and children should be checked twice.
- Scanning around and checking of mirrors should always be done ahead.
Be Aware for Possible Hazards
Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, road works, broken-down vehicles, other cars stopping or merging, and animals.
- Be alert with surroundings and the road ahead.
- Regularly check rear-view and side mirrors.
- If the weather is bad and visibility is poor, adjust speed for a safe stop if necessary.
Avoid Alcohol if Planning to Drive
The tolerance to alcohol decreases with age, especially when combined with medication.
- Drinking of alcohol should be avoided if planning to drive.
- Doctor should be consulted with possible side effects that might affect safe driving.
- If driving is affected, seek help from someone who can assist in any way.
Aside from Elderly Car Insurance that may already be in place, some countries provide Older Driver Licensing Systems designed to balance safety and independence of older drivers. In general, local community council offer services for senior citizens and elderly; they should be contacted for available information.
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