70+ and Driving. A Practical Guide on Driving Safely as a Senior

When my Uncle Tom turned 70 last December, we all thought he’d hand over his car keys and stop driving. But he didn’t. And the truth is that he didn’t need to. He’s still sharp, cautious, and fiercely independent. 

However, like many his age, he understands the current realities. Driving, especially at night, can be a hassle. 

For one thing, reaction time is now slower. Also, even the smallest mistake could mean looking around for reliable collision repair services. Let’s not forget the tedium of dealing with insurance paperwork if a collision happens. But despite all these, he’s not ready to give up his car keys just yet.

Why? Because he knows that with the right mindset and a few adjustments, senior citizens can continue to drive safely and confidently well into their seventies and beyond.

In this article, we’ll be exploring some practical steps to help you do just that. Read on.

How Driving in Your Seventies is Different

People age differently. Some people will be in their seventies and breeze through life like someone who’s twenty years younger. Others may notice changes creeping in quickly. 

Regardless of how you may feel at your age, when it comes to old-age driving, chances are you will begin to experience the following sooner or later:

1. Slower Reflexes. As we’ve already pointed out, at seventy, your reflexes are no longer what they used to be. That’s a fact of life. You may not be able to react in split-second situations as you used to. This can make driving activities like lane changes and sudden stops somewhat challenging.
2. Problems With Eyesight. According to the American Optometric Association, individuals who are 60 years and above tend to develop eye issues that affect their vision permanently. For example, you may find that you get more bothered by lights at night, or that judging distances is more stressful.
3. Side Effects of Medications. Many seniors take prescriptions to help with a myriad of health issues, such as Arthritis, Hypertension, and so on. Some of these prescriptions may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slower responses.

None of these issues is a reason to panic. They’re simply reminders that driving at seventy is a lot different than driving at forty.

4 Practical Tips for Safer Driving in Your Seventies

Now that you know what driving may look and feel like as you get on in years, let’s discuss some practical tips that can help you drive more safely as you age.

1. Keep Regular Doctor’s Appointments

When you’re younger, you may be able to skip one or two check-ups and get away with it. Not when you’re 70+. At this age, regular visits to the doctor should be a key part of your routine.

Get your vision and hearing tested. Be sure you have the right glasses. And if you’re taking prescriptions, be sure everything is up to date.

2. Don’t Drive at Night

For many seniors, the real challenge with driving happens when the sun goes down — glare from headlights of oncoming cars, road signs that suddenly seem harder to read, or even missing a turn you’ve taken a hundred times before. 

When these happen too often, you may want to change your schedule and run errands during the day instead. There’s zero shame in rethinking night driving.

3. Choose the Right Car

Today’s cars come with tons of bells and whistles, all designed to help drivers of all ages. 

So, while you may be sentimentally attached to your 1980 Ford Bronco, choose a modern car with safety features (if you can afford to). It may help keep you safe on the road.

Cannot afford something newer? Check to see if certain safety features, like backup cameras or better mirrors, can be installed on your current vehicle. 

Also, don’t overlook the need for routine maintenance and repairs when needed. According to Denver Auto Body, it is best to opt for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts when required. These parts ensure safety and performance for vehicles.

4. Listen to Your Body

This is probably the most important takeaway from this article: listen to your body. At seventy, there’s no need to prove to anyone that you’re tough. If your body feels out of sorts, change your plans.

Have a friend or family member drive you, or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft.

Wrapping Up

Driving in your seventies is not as unsafe as people make it out to be. In fact, according to current data, at 8%, over seventy drivers actually have fewer crashes compared to younger people. The difference is that when accidents do happen, the results tend to be more severe. 

The key here is adapting. 

The goal is not to drive forever. It’s to drive safely as long as you’re able to, and hopefully, the tips covered in this article will help achieve that, protecting yourself, your car, and your independence behind the wheel.