Drive Safe, Live Long: Essential Safety Tips for Senior Drivers

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a classic sports car, a golf cart plastered in UT decals or a sensible sedan, seniors must stay safe and aware when they hit the road. For Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, we’re shining the high beams on ways older drivers can stay confident and accident-free so they can continue enjoying a smooth retirement ride.

7 Senior Driving Tips to Stay Safe and Aware of Surroundings

1. 1. Get your eyes checked regularly to ensure your vision is adequate for driving. This can help you see clearly and react quickly to road hazards.
2. 2. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially when driving at high speeds. This will give you more time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.
3. 3. Avoid distractions such as using your phone, eating or adjusting the radio while driving. These distractions can take your attention away from the road and increase your risk of an accident.
4. 4. Stay alert while driving, especially when going to unfamiliar areas. Pay close attention to road signs, signals and other drivers to anticipate potential hazards.
5. 5. Take frequent breaks when driving long distances to avoid fatigue, which can impair your driving abilities and increase the risk of an accident.
6. 6. Use safety features in your car, such as seat belts, airbags and backup cameras, to reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident.
7. 7. Attend defensive driving courses to learn safe driving techniques, improve your driving skills and stay up to date with traffic laws.

Many Longhorn Village residents enjoy going out for a spin in their golf carts. And while cart cruising on community paths is a fun and convenient way to get around Steiner Ranch, drivers must take safety precautions and keep their attention on the road at all times.

Before heading out, check the cart’s brakes, lights, tires and battery charge. If you’re driving at night, turn on the cart’s lights and wear reflective clothing to increase visibility. Also, remember that golf carts aren’t designed to operate in bad weather conditions, handle steep hills or be overloaded with passengers.

Seniors driving golf carts can help avoid accidents and injuries by obeying traffic signs and signals and driving on the right side of the road. Maintain a safe distance from other golf carts or vehicles, and yield to neighbors walking or riding their bikes. If you have your furry companion along for the ride, make sure he’s securely seated and doesn’t cause any distractions as you navigate your way.

Distracted Driving and Older Drivers

Distracted driving is a growing problem and a leading cause of car accidents. In many states, distracted driving is illegal and can result in a fine or lost driving privileges. Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an opportunity for seniors to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving and how to avoid them.

Older drivers may be more vulnerable to the effects of distracted driving, as they may have slower reaction times or diminished vision or hearing. While texting and driving is a common form of distracted driving, many other activities can distract drivers, such as eating, drinking, using GPS devices or fiddling with the radio.

As independent and savvy seniors know, it’s never too late to learn. Older drivers can benefit from education and training programs focused on safe driving practices and avoiding distractions on the road. And technology tools, such as hands-free devices or voice-activated assistants, can help seniors avoid getting sidetracked while behind the wheel.

No Wheels? No Worries!

You don’t need to own a car to navigate Austin or Longhorn Village. Resident community outings include weekly trips to the grocery store, doctors’ appointments and rides to UT home games. The city offers a public transportation system and an extensive network of bicycle and pedestrian paths seniors can use for transportation, exercise and recreation.

AGE of Central Texas is offering a workshop on April 15 highlighting Transportation Options for Older Adults. The free event includes a panel of transportation experts from Chariot, Transportation for Living, CapMetro and Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS).

Other transportation options include taxi companies, neighborhood shuttle buses or vans and popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. And Turo, a car-sharing marketplace and luxury car rental company, can help driving enthusiasts fulfill their dreams of hitting the open road behind the wheel of a custom convertible Corvette, Tesla Model S or tricked-out Land Rover.

Buckle Up and Embrace the Road Ahead

Now is the perfect time to shift gears and start a new retirement adventure at Longhorn Village. Learn more about how we can help steer your life in a whole new direction with scenic routes and winding roads full of new friends, great food and lots of adventure. Contact us or cruise on over to our community for an in-person visit.

Featured Image: Jeremy Hess, 2022