How Aging Affects Our Driving

Above, driving into Silverton, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I have reached my 70s, I have noticed that my stamina isn't what it used to be. That especially goes for RV driving.

I used to be able to drive 400 miles with no effort, but during the last few years, I have had to stop halfway through for an overnight break. If I had a good night's sleep the night before, it is a lot easier. 

I recently drove from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California. It was easier than I thought it would be, but I still to take breaks and end my driving days at around 3:00 in the afternoon. 

RV Travel posted an article on how aging affects our driving.

They begin it with:

Most RVtravel.com readers are 55 or older and qualify as senior citizens. They’re also keenly aware that their bodies change with time… and that includes how they drive.

As we age, joints may stiffen, and muscles can weaken. Turning your head to check a blind spot may take more effort. Reaction time can slow, and quick moves—like slamming on the brakes or correcting a skid—may not come as easily as they once did.

Vision and hearing also change with age. Older eyes typically need more light to see clearly, yet they’re often more sensitive to glare from the sun, oncoming headlights, or reflective road signs at night. Hearing loss can make it harder to notice sirens, horns, or unusual mechanical sounds coming from your rig. The normal aging process can also slow reflexes and shorten attention span, making it harder to juggle multiple tasks at once, like navigating, watching traffic, and monitoring a large RV’s mirrors all at the same time.

To read the full article, go here.