Book on an assessment with Cornwall mobility / have a chat with your GP/health professional too.
There are also several simple things we can do to help us continue to drive, safely, for as long as possible, such as taking regular driving assessments and refresher training.
A view simple steps could increase your enjoyment of driving, increase confidence and keep you and other road users safe. The following link provides a useful check list to help consider whether your driving is changing Older Driver Self Assessment Checklist
The following list also provides some simple help and advice:
Eyesight test: It’s important that eyesight is tested at least once a year so you know you are fitted with the correct glasses or contact lenses are worn for driving. The test can also identify whether you have cataracts or glaucoma which can greatly reduce vision, particularly when driving at night.
More information here: What happens in a DVLA eye test | Specsavers UK.
Hearing test: Any sensory loss can lead to a feeling of disorientation or disconnections from what is happening around you so it’s important to make sure that regularly have a hearing check.
Driving at night: Wear an-to-date pair of distance glasses or contact lenses recommended by your Optician. Never use tinted lenses such as red or amber as they can filter out traffic lights, brake lights and indicators of cars in front.
More information here: https://www.olderdrivers.org.uk/the-law/eyesight/
Avoid distractions: Concentration can decrease with age, so it’s helpful to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Plan your route: Planning your route before leaving to feel more confident and avoid getting lost. You may want to consider using a (SATNAV) as it can help take the stress out of a longer journey.
Know your limitations: If you are noticing changes in your driving then it is s best to seek advice from a GP or health professional It is important not to ignore changes as it is not only your own safety you should be thinking about but also your passengers and the danger that you might pose to other road users.
Keep physically active: Ageing also tends to result in a reduction of strength, co-ordination and flexibility and so it can make it more difficult for example to look over your shoulder. Daily physical activity like walking, cycling or swimming help keep joints supple, improve strength and flexibility and also help mental health.
Drive defensively: Reflexes can slow down as you get older, so it can be helpful to allow a little more time and space to react to any unexpected situation.
