More and more seniors over 65 are continuing to drive because they treasure their independence. And it is important for seniors to have that feeling of independence as it keeps them more confident which can help stave off age-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. However, there is the thing and that is, unfortunately, many seniors each year get killed in car crashes because there is something they should not do when they are driving. They need to avoid driving when the sun is rising and the sun is setting. That will increase the chances of them getting into accidents and it can become fatal.
Avoid Driving When The Sun Is Rising Or Setting If You Are Over 65
It is essential that you do not drive anywhere if you are over 65 if the sun is setting or rising and the reason for that it can get into the line of your vision. Eyesight changes as you age, and that means you have a more difficult time seeing during those times especially when the sun rises or sets. Is it okay to drive at night? That depends on your eyesight as well. However, it is not recommended but it is safer than driving when the sun does set or rise.
One of the reasons that this is a problem is that the size of the pupil becomes smaller as you age. And that is the most significant issue that comes into play when driving and if the sun sets or rises, then it will affect the vision even more. And the reason for that is that the eyes become more sensitive to the glares that come from the sun. It will cause disturbances to seniors as they are attempting to look when they are driving and that causes difficulties when they are attempting to see what roads they are on and what is in the way. The sun is blinding during those times and that will increase the chances of accidents. There is another issue that happens with seniors’ eyesight.
Seniors Are More Likely To Have Cataracts
If you are 65 years or older, you are more likely to have cataracts as well which will also cause eyesight disturbances. Therefore, when the sun is blinding as it sets and rises, the glare will disturb the vision and the sun will appear even brighter than it is. Therefore, it will cause disorientation. Therefore, between the reduced pupil size and the possibility of cataracts then is why driving during those times is not recommended. But when is the safest time to drive for seniors? Let’s go over that.
Driving Is Safest Between Sunrise And Sunset
In other words, the best time for seniors to drive is during the daytime because that is when the sun is at an angle where it will not cause disturbances. Right after sunrise and right before sunset is the limit of when seniors can drive safely. However, it is not a good idea, as mentioned previously for seniors to drive after the sunsets and before sunrise. The other problem with night driving is that when the headlights are in the way, they will also cause a glare in the eyes. And smaller pupils cannot see things well at night. Therefore, the best thing to do and the safest thing to do is to hire a cab to go somewhere at night, or if a family member can take you, you can do that too.
But you only want to drive during the daytime when the sun is at its safest position that will not glare into your eyes, and where you will not have trouble seeing at all.
