Team AAA Miami Valley Reporting No 4.: Regular Preventive Maintenance

Vehicle Maintenance Tips for Mature Drivers

Regular checks and preventive maintenance are good habits that keep your vehicle operating safely. Check battery cable connections regularly and replace a weak battery as soon as you can. Have your tires rotated every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. And make sure tires are inflated to the recommended level.

It’s also important to keep maintenance records and to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. Following these maintenance tips could help keep your car on the road. Miami Valley AAA.

Team AAA Miami Valley Reporting No 3.: Rx for Safe Driving!

A mature driver is likely to take the “never drink and drive” rule to heart. Unfortunately alcohol is only one drug that impairs drivers. Some mature operators take multiple medications which puts them at greater risk of impairment behind the wheel.

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can slow reflexes, blur vision and cause drowsiness or dizziness. Plus with age, people tend to gain weight and lose muscle tone, which changes the way chemicals are absorbed. To minimize your risks and ensure you stay safe behind the wheel for as many years as possible, talk to your health-care professional about the effects of medications and driving.

AAA Miami Valley

Team AAA Miami Valley Reporting No. 2: Choosing a Vehicle for a Mature Driver

Aging affects strength, flexibility, coordination and vision. We can’t control aging, but we do have the power to choose a vehicle that meets our needs. As a mature driver, you should choose a vehicle with options that add to your comfort and compensate for any loss of strength, flexibility or vision.

Although big vehicles don’t deliver the fuel economy of compacts, they often provide greater driver protection. They are also easier to get in and out of thanks to more head and leg room.

Also make sure you choose a vehicle with options that add to your comfort and compensate for any loss of strength and flexibility such as power steering, power adjustable seats, and power window and door locks.

AAA Miami Valley

Team AAA Miami Valley Reporting: Safe Driving Tips

Good Vision Vital for Good Driving for Mature Drivers

By age 65 few people have perfect vision. Aging can decline the ability to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles, accurately judge distance and the ability to detect vehicles and pedestrians on or beside the road.

For safer driving mature drivers should consider avoiding driving after dark, in bad weather or in rush hour traffic. Also avoid driving when tired or stressed or when taking medication.

The safest mature drivers choose routes that are familiar, avoid making left turns when possible and take daytime “rehearsal” trips to unfamiliar locations they must reach after dark. Taking a defensive driving course is also a good idea. AAA Miami Valley

Team Intellectual Wellness: Fit-for-Driving

Fit-for Driving is an ongoing educational program for seniors who want to be updated on the latest laws and community assistance concerning driving. This particular workshop was open to the local community and Sinclair Community College for Lifelong Learning. We are tremendously thankful for the participation of the Centerville Police Department, Sinclair Community College's Automotive Technology Department, D&D Driving School, AAA Motor Club, and Functional Pathways Occupational Therapy.