e-Gurukul.com

We’ve all heard the term “baby boomers” and maybe you are one. Everyone knows that this is the biggest group of people growing older at the same time meaning that they will all reach the category of “senior” citizen at the same time. This will overload the highways, freeways, streets, etc., with drivers that may not be as aware as they used to be while driving. What can be done about this situation? Private organizations and state offices are trying to keep ahead of the problem and create solutions for situations that may happen because of the many senior drivers that will be on the road by approximately 2030.

One group is developing a driving course for seniors to assist them in reevaluating their driving skills and updating their knowledge of any changes in the laws. Any type of driving course would be helpful to someone that has been driving for such a long time but has not kept up with the latest laws and regulations regarding driving. It will teach the seniors how to drive defensively in order to avoid accidents not cause them. By taking these special courses the seniors may even be able to lower their insurance premiums.

Another group is providing the seniors with a CD that covers the lack of certain physical and mental abilities that indicate they might be dangerous drivers. Some of these are: 1) flexibility of the senior’s head, neck, legs along with strength and mobility; 2) visual abilities for short and long distances and the ability to notice items in their path and to be able to drive in poor conditions such as rain or fog; 3) memory abilities to be able to comprehend signs and highway guides; 4) the ability to keep their attention on the road while also being able to notice threats out of the corner of their eyes.

Seniors should have themselves evaluated on how well the car they drive fits their mental and physical capabilities. This can be accomplished by having a trained professional review with the senior certain aspects of their vehicle and then provide the senior with recommendations for any adjustments that can be made to their car.

There are accessories that a senior can purchase to help make their car easier to drive. Because we all shrink some as we age, it is a good idea to purchase a seat cushion to make sure you are at the correct eye level while driving. The best recommendation for seniors is the utilization of extension mirrors to help the senior who can’t turn their neck around enough to see in the blind spots.

Most states require that after a certain age drivers have to report in person to get their driver’s license renewed. This is so they can take the eye test and a written test to make sure they are up to date with any new regulations.

Last but not least, the senior driver should check with their auto insurance company to see if they can save any money on their premiums. For example, they may have retired and therefore greatly reduced the miles they drive which could make a big difference in the cost of their auto insurance.