It seems it was just yesterday when you remember buying your first car and driving it while going to work or to a destination to have fun with your friends, family and/or loved ones. We are positive you can still remember that wonderful feeling when you stepped inside of your car and gave it a drive around your neighborhood and into your house.

But when you are already old, you feel hesitant to start your engine. We seldom see older adults travel on the road independently. Unlike when they were still young, they still have all the confidence to go on a trip on the road no matter where their destination was.

Being old does not mean totally stopping yourself from driving, for we believe that age does not really matter and there are no age restrictions on the road except when you are below 16 years and 6 months old. You still have the capability to drive and you can enjoy this privilege while being safe on the road if you:

• Stay faithful to your eye checkups

  Our eyes are our investment when it comes to driving. They are one of the most important organs we use while we are on the road. It is a must for adults with ages 65 years old and above to visit their eye doctors every year.

  With your annual eye checkups, you will be able to update your corrective lenses therefore decreasing the risk of accidents not only on the road but also in places where you will be going.

• Do not delay your hearing checkups

  Just like your eyes, you need to schedule an appointment to your doctor’s for an annual checkup of your ears. When you are on the road, you need to open up your senses including your sense of hearing to anticipate road warnings.

  If your doctor prescribed you some hearing aids, never forget to wear them while driving. It could not only save your life but also the lives of others on the road.

• Get plenty of rest

  One of the causes of accidents on the road is the driver’s lack of sleep. If ever you have a recurring problem with your sleep, consult your doctor so that you will be able to drive with ease.

• Have a word with your physician

  Before you get into the driver’s seat, you must know the full extent and capabilities of your body. There are certain medications that will have an effect on your driving.

  You can also have your doctor recommend you other equipment that could aid you in driving. We already mentioned contact lenses and hearing aids as examples of these equipment and the good news is that with our latest technology, you can enjoy other gadgets and equipment that can help you maintain your independence while driving.

• Ask assistance

  If your condition deems you unworthy of holding the stirring wheel of your car, you need to accept the facts and changes in your body and give in to the recommendations and orders of your attending physician before it is too late.

  There are plenty of people who can help you reach your destination. You can ask a family member, a friend or even a neighbor in the process. But if you feel the need not to bother anyone, you can opt for providers of non-emergency transportation services in your area or be assisted by your caregiver.

  Angelic Love Home Care, a non-medical home care agency in Framingham MA, provides escort services when you want to go elsewhere especially when you are on your way to your doctor’s appointment or when you want to have a walk around the neighborhood.

Those are some safety tips for seniors to remain safe while driving. Keep in mind your overall well-being and never attempt to postpone or skip an appointment with your doctor. You should regard your safety above all else so that you can still enjoy more of life’s pleasurable moments.