Defensive Driving School is a Good Idea For Seniors Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

Seniors Driving Longer

Daun Thompson — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:43:13 +0000

One of the most dreaded issues that we face as adults is how to tell our aging parents they can no longer drive. Once an elderly person’s independence is taken away, it’s usually a downward spiral. I personally don’t enjoy driving, so this won’t be an issue for me when I reach that point in life. Besides, cars are already driving themselves. And even now, there are very inexpensive modes of transportation like Uber and Lyft. But, the number of 70+ year old drivers on the road today is enough to turn your hair grey (or white). According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of 70+ drivers in the U.S. is projected to increase from 30.1 million in 2013 to 53.7 million by 2030. I will be in that group…(yikes). In fact, I have decided to change my age to “yikes” (like how Prince changed his name to a symbol). So, the problem is that nearly 90% of drivers that are 65+ suffer from health issues that may affect their ability to drive safely. By this late age, one wouldn’t expect to be shopping for a new vehicle, but with the latest safety features and new technologies it would certainly be safer for them. Safety systems are increasingly being added to cars, which warn drivers of impending danger and in some cases, will take action to avert it. While driving that big old heavy steel car may “feel” safe, it’s certainly not safe for others around them. And, while one may feel comfortable with the fit of that older car, it may no longer be a good fit as our bodies shrink with age (osteoporosis). I am a whopping 5’ 2” now. So, all I have to look forward to, with old age, is getting even shorter. Perhaps considering the new safety features in vehicles being manufactured today can keep seniors driving longer.
AAA breaks down the vehicle features that can help older drivers into three categories: safety, ergonomics and comfort.

Safety features have had the most advances in technology that can keep senior drivers secure.
• Driver Assist uses cameras and sensors to warn a driver of impending danger. Some systems take action, such as steering and braking to avoid a crash. Even less expensive cars have these features now.
• Lane Departure Warning senses when a driver has drifted out of their lane and alerts the driver. Again, some will have automatic steering assist to steer the car back into its lane.
• Adaptive headlights illuminate the road ahead while going around turns.
• Automatic Crash Notification (such as OnStar). This can also help in a health emergency.
• Automatic High Beams
• Blind Spot Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking

Ergonomics and Comfort features such as adjustable steering wheels, adjustable pedals and multi-position heated and cooled power seats with memory can help reduce fatigue and discomfort.
It’s good to know that both AARP and AAA offer driving resources for seniors. And, in a few years, I too will be seeking those resources when my age is “yikes.”

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Seniors Driving Longer – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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Elderly Drivers

Daun Thompson — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 16:54:02 +0000

My father taught me how to drive. And he was a drunk driver. So I learned how to weave and drift across three lanes. He would place his beer can on the center of the dashboard and say “Now line that can up with the side of the road to keep your lane perspective.” Then he’d climb over the seat and pass out. That was nearly 30 years ago and now he is 78 years old and in bad health. With 60 plus years of driving experience, it’s hard to imagine having to talk to him about hanging up his keys now that he’s a senior driver. While elderly drivers don’t cause as many accidents as drunk drivers or inexperienced teen drivers, because of their frailty, they usually are seriously or critically injured in a motor vehicle collision.

I recently visited my parents at their home up north. When my parents were taking me back to the airport to fly home, my dad started drifting into another lane, directly into the side of a semi-truck. He was trying to turn on the dome light to get change for the tollway. I asked my mom to get the change for him or we’re all going to die. A few minutes later, he was drifting across lanes again. He was trying to count change for the tollway. I asked my mother to count it for him. My sisters, who were also visiting and not flying out until the next morning, were still at my parents home. So, I was texting them from the back seat of my dad’s truck “Don’t let dad drive you to the airport…we’re all going to die.” When we made it to the airport my Mom said “Call us when your flight gets in.” I said “You call ME! I’m going to be on a plane for 2 hours with no cell phone reception, not knowing if you made it home alive.” That evening, they took my Dad to the emergency room. It appears that he was having a mini-stroke while he was driving me to the airport. He’s usually a pretty good driver. So we should have guessed that something was wrong.

In most states, people aged 75 and older must apply in person for every renewal. A senior driver is also usually required to take a road test. People aged 81-86 are required to renew their license every two years and aged 87 and older are required to renew their license every year.

If you are a senior driver or you know someone who is, there are some awesome websites that give you tips on how to evaluate their driving skills to see if they’re safe behind the wheel. One such website is AAA (American Automobile Association). This particular link helps them evaluate their driving skills http://seniordriving.aaa.com/sites/default/files/Driver65.12.13.pdf while this link is an actual assessment tool to rate their driving habits http://seniordriving.aaa.com/evaluate-your-driving-ability/self-rating-tool

If you know a senior driver who you suspect may be unable to operate a motor vehicle, have a talk with them and let them know the importance of safe driving habits. Even wearing seat belts seems to be an issue from older generations. Most don’t like to wear a seat belt because it’s uncomfortable and it wrinkles their outfit. Not like going through the windshield won’t wrinkle your outfit…and your head.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Elderly Drivers – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Elderly Drivers appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Defensive Driving School is a Good Idea For Seniors

Lisa — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:20:19 +0000

In Florida there is a huge population of seniors, most of which have 50 years or more since they first got their driver’s license. A lot has changed in that amount of time; from the cars we drive to the amount of traffic on the road, not to mention the laws that govern those roads. It can be a good idea for a senior to attend a defensive driving school to brush up on their skills, learn any important laws they might not be aware of, and learn to drive in a different world than they go their license in.

Defensive driving school can give seniors the skills that will allow them to stay on the road and driving longer, as well as the confidence they need to be able to navigate crowded roads. If you are a senior and would like to take a defensive driving class, visit us at Comedy Defensive Driving for more information about how and where to take your classes.

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