Mature Drivers

Common effects of aging include declining visual acuity, heightened problems with glare, and loss of flexibility. These problems can be obvious or subtle, so Driver Licensing appreciate families’ and friends’ help in stopping or reducing their loved ones’ driving.

To address this growing public health issue, the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program is working with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to implement the GrandDriver program to urge the public, particularly drivers age 65 plus and their adult children, to learn more about the effects of aging on one’s ability to drive. 

Drive with care.

Always –

• Plan your trips ahead of time. Decide what time to leave and which roads to take. Try to avoid heavy traffic, poor weather and high-speed areas.
  
• Wear your safety belt – and wear it correctly. (It should go over your shoulder and across your lap.)
  
• Drive at the speed limit. It’s unsafe to drive too fast or too slow.
  
• Be alert! Pay attention to traffic at all times.
  
• Keep enough distance between you and the car in front of you.
  
• Be extra careful at intersections. Use you turn signal and remember to look around you for people and other cars.
  
• Check your blind spot when changing lanes or backing up.
  
• Be extra careful at train tracks. Remember to look both ways for trains.
  
• When you take a new medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacists about side effects. Many medicines may affect your driving even when you feel fine. If your medicine makes you dizzy or drowsy, talk to you doctor to find out ways to take your medicine so it doesn’t affect you driving.

Never –

• Never drink and Drive.
  
• Never drive when you feel angry or tired. If you state to feel tired, stop your car somewhere safe. Take a break until you feel more alert.
  
• Never eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving.

If –

• If you don’t see well in the dark, try not to drive at night or during storms.
  
• If you have trouble making left turns at an intersection, make three right turns instead of one left turn.
  
• If you can, avoid driving in bad weather, such as during rain, sleet or snow.

< Back