Seniors Often Hit Road to Enjoy Family, Friends in Winter; AARP Has Safety Tips
Winter weather never fails to present a wide variety of driving challenges
Dec. 27, 2011 -
Winter for many senior citizens means food, family and friends but it also means snow, sleet, ice, and fog on the roads for travelers. No
matter how many years of driving experience seniors have under their belt, winter weather never fails to present a wide variety of challenges.
"Understanding how to drive safely in harsh weather conditions can protect you, your passengers and your vehicle," said
Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is Dec. 5-9, AAA emphasizes the importance of communication to help keep senior
drivers safe and mobile - AARP Webinar Today
"Like many Illinoisans, I will be traveling this holiday season as well – and I definitely plan to take a few moments to
review these tips and hope others do as well so we can all arrive at our destinations safely."
AARP offers the following information for staying safe on winter roads:
Tips on Safer Winter Driving
1.Winterize your vehicle to make sure your brakes, wipers, defroster, headlights and heater
are all working properly.
2.Stop gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3.Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility
to other motorists, and keep your lights clean and free
of ice or debris.
4.In unfavorable driving conditions, reduce your
speed and increase the distance between your car and the
one in front of you. Remember that it takes more time to stop on icy roads.
5.Stay alert. Look ahead
to give yourself more time to react safely to situations without suddenly braking or skidding.
6.Before driving, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle's hood, windows and roof.
7.Use snow or all-season tires or chains for better traction and smoother slowing. Remember that
even with snow tires, you should use extra caution while driving in inclement weather — no tires allow you to drive on snow or ice
at normal speeds.
8.Take extra precautions on bridges,
overpasses, and shaded areas, which can freeze first, and remain icy longer than roadways. A road on which ice and snow are
completely frozen is pretty slippery, even though it provides more traction than a road with melting ice.
9.In wet driving conditions, do not drive faster than
the windshield wipers can clear water from the
windshield. Make sure your wiper blades are in good shape, and replace them yearly.
10.Equip your car with emergency supplies,
such as blankets, food, water, spare fuses, a flashlight with batteries, an ice scraper, flares and a first-aid kit.
Check AARP Driver Safety Program
Changing seasons bring new and different driving conditions, so consider registering for a driver-improvement course,
such as the classroom or online courses offered by the AARP Driver Safety Program (www.aarp.org/driversafety)
to learn valuable safety tips to keep you and your passengers safe all year round.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Dec. 27, 2011 -
Winter for many senior citizens means food, family and friends but it also means snow, sleet, ice, and fog on the roads for travelers. No
matter how many years of driving experience seniors have under their belt, winter weather never fails to present a wide variety of challenges.
Few eye care providers consider themselves the most-qualified to identify unsafe drivers, few report unsafe drivers