By Staff
Take a look behind the wheels of many cars and you're sure to find that a good portion of the driving public are mature drivers.
As the baby boomer population ages, the percentage of seniors on the road is sure to increase even more. Thanks to several recent medical breakthroughs, seniors are enjoying longer, more independent and productive lives than ever – and continuing to drive. Driving means independence, and people who have driven for most of their lives want to keep that independence as long as possible, especially in suburban and rural areas where driving is the only way to get around.
However, despite modern medicine, certain conditions like hearing loss, reduced reaction time and impaired vision can make driving as an older adult more difficult and hazardous. That's why safety continues to be one of the main concerns for seniors on the road.
Many compensate for their limitations by driving shorter distances and avoiding night driving, busy highways and downtown areas. However, other safety precautions can be taken to ensure that a mature driver can continue to enjoy his or her freedom. Here are some tips from the Canada Safety Council.