Knowing the relevant information for elderly drivers is an important step in overall automotive safety.

Information for Elderly Drivers

A recent cold snap has sent temperatures plummeting all throughout the country. Along with a forecast of single-digit and sub-zero temperatures, many news teams have also delivered tips for staying safe in brutally frigid conditions. Dressing in layers is imperative, and stocking a supply of food and water is prudent practice. Those listening closely to broadcasts were likely to hear a prompt to pay special attention to elderly friends and neighbors as well.

Judging gap distance may be a challenge for elderly drivers.

Extreme cold presents unique challenges for the elderly, and younger friends are right to be sensitive to those considerations. Winter weather, however, is not the only area to which this line of thinking applies. Statistics show that driving presents certain challenges as well. In an effort to draw awareness to this data, Mazda of Lodi shares some pertinent information for elderly drivers.

A recent Safety in Numbers newsletter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided a relevant collection of information for elderly drivers. The data shows the number of advanced-age drivers in America has increased in the last 10 years, but so has the proportion of those drivers involved in fatal crashes.

Again, the purpose is not to create fear but to generate awareness. Even in low-severity collisions, older drivers are more susceptible to chest, head, and leg injuries. In order to prevent as much injury as possible, consider the five most common crash situations for older drivers:

Awareness is a significant part of any auto safety consideration.

1. Turning left at an intersection with a stop sign
2. Turning left without a designated turn arrow
3. Right-turn merging with traffic over 40 mpg
4. Highway merging from a ramp with a yield sign
5. Changing lanes on a road with four or more lanes

As far as information for elderly drivers, important tips can be gleaned from these situations. First, it is important to be visually sharp. Common errors for every driver include inadequately assessing street signs or traffic lights. Elderly drivers should also be mindful of accurately judging the gap distance between their car and other quick moving motorists. The results of misjudging gap distance are potentially seen in many of the common crash scenarios.

Click the following to download the complete Safety in Numbers newsletter from the NHSTA. Feel free to share this link with elderly family and friends. And as always, Mazda of Lodi wishes safe travels for all on the road.