The week of December 1 is Older Driver Safety Awareness week. Driving becomes more dangerous as a person gets older. Fortunately, there are ways older people can keep themselves safe while on the road. Below is a list of safety tips for older drivers:

Stay Active
Driving activities, such as looking over your shoulder and turning your steering wheel, will be a lot easier if you are physically active. That is why you may want to include regular physical activity in your routine. Walking is one of the best exercises for older people. You may also want to perform strength training and stretching exercises. However, if you do not currently exercise, then you want to make sure that you talk to your doctor before you start an exercise routine.

Regular Vision And Hearing Tests
One of the reasons older people are at a greater risk for getting into an accident is because they are more likely to suffer from vision or hearing problems. For example, a person with a hearing problem may not be able to hear a train or emergency vehicle. Someone who suffers from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, or another vision problem may have trouble seeing clearly.

You should ask your physician how often you need hearing and vision tests. It is a lot easier to detect a vision or hearing problem if it is detected early.

Drive During Optimal Times
The best time for an older person to drive is during the day, when the weather is good. Older people should also drive on familiar roads. Additionally, it is best to avoid driving during rush hour, if possible.

You also want to make sure you feel well enough to drive. Driving should be avoided if you are sleepy or angry. You should also avoid driving if you have been drinking alcohol.