By Meghan Streit

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Even if you’ve been behind the wheel for decades, your driving skills might need a tune-up. Driving a car is a key component to independence as you age, giving you the freedom to run errands on your own schedule, visit family and friends, and stay involved in your community.

But the incidence of accidents per mile driven tends to increase after the age of 70, according to the AARP. Th at’s why it’s particularly important for older adults to make sure their vehicles, driving skills, and habits are up to snuff .

“As we get older, it takes longer to react to a sudden change in traffi c, joints are stiff er, muscles weaker, making it harder to maneuver,” says Dr. Sharon Brangman, chief of geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. “Changes in vision make it harder to adjust to changes from bright to dark, which can cause an accident in a few seconds.”

Know the signs

Brangman says things like unexplained dents on a car, getting lost on familiar drives, diffi culty parking, or incorrect signaling can be signs that a driver’s precision is starting to deteriorate.

Since many people may not be able to accurately assess their own driving skills, Brangman suggests taking a ride with an adult child or enrolling in a safe driving course like those off ered by the AARP.

Sedgebrook resident Bob Vehlow recently took advantage of a two-day AARP course held at the community. Although living at Sedgebrook, where amenities such as a bank, convenience store, and hair salon are located onsite, Vehlow says he frequently drives his car to run errands, shop, and go to restaurants.

Recognizing how important it is for older drivers to refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, many insurance companies off er discounts to people who complete the AARP course. 

“Not only that, but you learn something as you go,” Vehlow says. “Th ere are things you might have forgotten or need to brush up on a little bit.”