As the days get shorter and the roads get icy, it’s time to brush up on important winter safety tips for seniors. While the winter season may be full of family, friends and food, it also brings weather concerns, which can make it more complicated to get out of the house, especially when you’re the one driving.
Snow, ice, sleet and cold temperatures create new and potentially dangerous challenges for senior drivers. Seniors who rely on their own vehicles for transportation should be aware that driving in winter weather requires additional safety measures and extra care.
Winter Safety Tips for Seniors: Eight Considerations
Because driving abilities change with age, senior drivers should be prepared to take some extra precautions to help them drive safely in harsh weather conditions. These tips will help both seniors and those traveling with elderly parents keep safe through the winter months.
1. Winterize Your Vehicle
Give your vehicle a little extra care during the winter months. Make sure that your brakes, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly. Ensure visibility by checking car mirrors and external cameras.
Also, check on the antifreeze levels, oil levels and tires. It is important, especially for seniors, that the heater and defroster are fully functioning as seniors are more susceptible to the frigid winter temperatures.
2. Check Weather Conditions
Before you leave the house, always remember to check the weather conditions in your area. In times of extreme weather like sleet or heavy snowfall, you may want to delay your trip. For necessary trips, you can also make alternative arrangements like scheduling a car service.
3. Always Have a Full Tank of Gas
There is nothing worse than running out of gas when it’s freezing cold and snowing outside. Keep your gas tank full during the winter months to avoid harmful condensation forming inside your gas tank and freezing in the fuel line. It may be pricey to keep your tank full, but it is less expensive than towing and repairs to frozen fuel lines.
4. Dress Warm
When leaving the house, dress as if you’ll be outdoors without the luxury of a car heater. Remember your winter coat, thick socks, gloves and a hat. While this may seem unnecessary while in the comfort of your car, it’s helpful in emergencies if your car breaks down and the heater no longer works.
5. Avoid Rush Hour and Back Roads
During heavy traffic periods, there are more people on the road and higher chances for traffic accidents. If you must go out during rush hour, be aware of black ice and traffic jams. If the roads are bad, avoid using back roads and shortcuts. Because there are fewer cars on the road, they are less likely to be plowed or salted and may be more dangerous than well-traveled roads.
6. Drive With Extra Caution
During extreme weather, remember to adjust your speed and avoid sudden movements like turns or braking; these can cause skidding. Increase your following distance to provide extra time for braking. Finally, use your headlights and always wear any necessary eyeglasses or sunglasses to improve visibility.
7. Travel With a Companion
Having a travel companion can be great during the winter months. Not only do they keep you awake and aware, but senior travel companions can also help you to navigate the slippery roads and get through heavy traffic.
If you don’t have someone to travel with in bad winter weather, make sure that someone knows where you’re going and that you have a charged cell phone with you in case of an emergency.
8. Prepare for an Emergency
Emergency preparedness for the elderly is paramount in ensuring your safety. If you’re traveling during the winter months, especially for an extended period of time, it is helpful to be over-prepared. Put together an emergency kit to store in the trunk of your car, including (but not limited to):
- A blanket
- Food and water
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Jumper cables
- An ice scraper
- Sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter to provide extra tire traction
- Extra clothing, boots and gloves
- A charged cell phone and charging cable
Final Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
This winter, take your time driving when the roads are snowy and slick. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in the winter weather don’t hesitate to ask for help. Winter weather can be challenging for senior drivers, but if you plan accordingly and are aware of the dangerous conditions, you can arrive safely at your destination.
For more information on senior care including companion care services, talk to the FirstLight Home Care team and get the support you need.