7 safe driving tips for older adults
Age-related changes in vision may make it more difficult (or even dangerous) for older adults to drive. Here’s how staying on top of eye health can help.
Older adults who are still driving are in good company: Nearly 50 million licensed drivers are ages 65 and older, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.1
But when it comes to older drivers, vision could be a major concern. That’s especially true as one ages and may be at greater risk of eye-related diseases that may cause vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.2
Vision issues may impact one’s ability to drive safely on the road — especially if they’re older. That’s why it may be a good idea to take extra precautions when out on the road. Learn some tips older adults may take when driving, and what they may do about their vision.
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How might age-related vision issues affect driving?
If an older adult has age-related vision issues and hasn’t gotten them checked out by an eye care provider, it may be dangerous for them to be on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vision issues may make it more difficult to see:3
- Curbs
- Lane lines
- Medians
- Street signs
Age-related vision issues may also make it more difficult to see when animals or even people are in the road or walking through a crosswalk. Glare from oncoming headlights may also be uncomfortable to look at or make it harder to see when driving at night.3
7 safe driving tips for older adults
So, what might older adults do to be safer when they’re on the road? Here are 7 helpful tips.
Tip #1: Choose glare-reducing sunglasses.
Wearing glare-reducing sunglasses in bright sun may help decrease daytime glare, says Amy Moy, O.D. She’s an adjunct associate professor of clinical optometry at the New England College of Optometry.
An eye care provider may be able to help find the right pair of sunglasses. That could include choosing the right type of polarized lenses for comfort, as well as whether they’re equipped to fully protect the eyes from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Proper UV protection may protect the eyes from damage that contributes to vision loss, says Dr. Moy.
Yellow- and amber-tinted polarized lenses may also help further reduce glare, but it’s a good idea to consult an eye care provider about the best options. Remember, though, to only wear them during the day — not at night.3
Tip #2: Know where to go.
Older adults may have trouble driving on roads they’re unfamiliar with, whether that be during the day or at night. So, driving on familiar roads and using known routes will make all the difference.4 When older adults are not worrying about where they’re going or whether they might be lost, they may pay better attention to the road and what’s in it.
Tip #3: Keep the windshield clean.
Ever go to the gas station and wonder whether anybody uses that squeegee at the gas pumps? It might be a good idea to do so, because a clear windshield means a clearer line of vision through the car’s front window.3
Other things to keep in mind when it comes to the windshield:4
- Ensure there is enough windshield washer fluid in the car.
- Use the car’s wipers to clean off bugs, bird poop, smudges and other debris from the windshield.
If the car is outfitted with automatic windshield wipers, make sure they are on, so that the wipers activate when it starts to rain. It’s also a good idea to use window defrosters and defoggers when needed.
Tip #4: Switch up plans, if possible.
Inclement weather, such as hard rain or blizzard, can make it more difficult to see, says Dr. Moy. Avoid driving during these times, whenever possible. Meeting a friend or family member for coffee or lunch? Ask for a rain check. For can’t-miss occasions, like doctor visits or eye surgery, arrange for an alternate type of transportation, such as a rideshare service or taxi.
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Tip #5: Skip nighttime driving.
At night, it’s possible to miss something in the road, says Dr. Moy. “Many older people stop driving at night for the safety of themselves and others,” she explains.
Similarly, driving at dawn or dusk may also be difficult. (That’s when the sun is directly in one’s line of sight.) Rather than getting together in the evening for book club, see if everyone can meet up during the day. If that’s inconvenient, try doing it virtually. If someone has to go to a family event, like a wedding or bar mitzvah, it might be worth asking a loved one to drive.
Tip #6: Consider taking a driving course.
Driving courses designed for older adults may help them brush up on their driving skills — or learn new ones.5 These courses may be found through places like the National Safety Council, AARP or community organizations.
Tip #7: Get an annual eye exam.
“For older adults who know that they have some vision difficulties, it is good to check in with their eye doctor if they notice that their ability to see at distance or in poor lighting is decreasing,” says Dr. Moy. A couple of questions that she recommends older adults asking themselves before booking an eye exam:
- Do they feel confident about everything on the road?
- Do they have trouble reading road signs at a distance?
- Do they find themselves slowing down to read anything while driving?
Whether the answer to any of these questions is yes or no, it’s always a good idea to book regular eye exams with an eye care provider. The NHTSA advises adults over age 60 to see an eye care provider annually to check vision and monitor for age-related eye diseases.3 It’s also important to have one’s glasses or contact lens prescription checked regularly to make sure it’s up to date.4
Older adults may want to ask their eye care provider for a comprehensive eye exam in which their eyes are dilated. “This allows the doctor to fully assess the extent of one’s vision and confirm if it’s safe to drive,” says Dr. Moy.
If someone is having trouble seeing in some situations — whether that be with glare or at night, for instance — an eye care provider won’t necessarily suggest that they stop driving completely. Instead, Dr. Moy says that an eye care provider can pinpoint the times when it’s most difficult to see, such as at dusk or night. They might recommend limiting or eliminating driving at those times. That way, an older driver may maintain their independence and still do the things that bring them joy — safely.
Providers in the UnitedHealthcare Vision Network are here to help keep your vision healthy. Search for an eye care provider now.
Sources:
- Highway statistics U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, last updated January 2023.
- Vision and aging resources National Eye Institute, July 2023.
- Driving safely while aging gracefully: self-assessment National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Safe driving for older adults National Institute on Aging, December 2022.
- Defensive driving for mature drivers National Safety Council.
