How Older Adults Can Minimize Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are often assumed to be young, newly licensed, and immature. Yet, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently reported that older adults are more likely to be distracted while driving, especially when attempting to use in-vehicle technology.

Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main types of distracted driving. Manual distraction is taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. Visual distraction is taking your eyes off the road for any amount of time. Cognitive distraction is taking your mind off the task of driving.

Driving while attempting to multitask puts you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road at risk for injury and death. Although distracted driving isn’t a new phenomenon, the ubiquity of mobile devices has escalated the prevalence of distracted drivers. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. If you’ve been guilty of taking your mind, eyes, or hands off the task of driving, here are a few ways that older adults can minimize distracted driving.

Put Away Your Cell Phone

The first way to minimize distracted driving is to put away your cell phone while you’re behind the wheel. Put it in your purse or glove compartment so that you aren’t tempted to look at it. Utilize your cell phone’s driving mode. Both Apple and Android phones offer this feature for their users. If you need to use your phone’s navigation app, enter your destination, and adjust the volume before driving. Ensure your phone is in silent mode so that you don’t hear any other alerts while driving. Better yet, stick to familiar routes so that you don’t need to use navigation devices.

Avoid Using In-Vehicle Technology

Newer vehicles are equipped with in-vehicle technology that’s supposed to minimize distracted driving. Between built-in GPS and Bluetooth technology, some older adults may assume these features will negate their need to take their eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel. However, many older adults find in-vehicle technology confusing or frustrating. Audio commands and touchscreens aren’t always older-adult friendly. It’s best to avoid using in-vehicle technology while behind the wheel. Instead, take time to learn your vehicle’s built-in technology while you are safely parked at home.

Become a Better Passenger

Another cause of distracted driving is passengers in the vehicle. Trying to maintain a conversation while focusing on the road is difficult for some older adults. Passengers should train themselves to be considerate of everyone’s safety when they are riding along. They can be a helpful asset by helping the driver stay aware of surrounding traffic or assist with navigation. They can also intervene when younger children are also in the vehicle so that the driver can remain focused on the road. Teach your children to keep themselves occupied while their grandparent is transporting them to and from activities.

Stop Multitasking While Driving

Finally, avoid using your commute as an opportunity to multitask. Whether you’re running errands, driving to a doctor’s appointment, or traveling to visit family, your focus should be 100 percent on the task at hand. Recognize that even listening to the radio or an audiobook are considered cognitive distractions. Avoid other common driving multitasks, such as eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, daydreaming, or zoning out. If you find your mind wandering while behind the wheel, bring your attention back to the road. Change your gaze every few seconds to avoid staring in one place.

One other way for older adults to minimize distracted driving is to partner with Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond, Virginia. Our competent and dependable caregivers can escort you to doctor appointments or on errands so that you don’t need to worry about driving distractedly. Not only can they drive you around, but they can also assist you with your shopping or escort you to the waiting room. If driving is becoming too overwhelming for you, know that you don’t need to remain stuck at home. Let us take you where you’d like to go and keep you company along the way. Please contact us today by calling 804-423-6500 so that we can learn more about your situation.