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. 

Combating Fatigue On Long RV Drives

Above, an overnight rest stop at Circle Pines KOA in Williams, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being an early riser, I generally hit the road before the sun rises. If I am driving eastbound, having the sun in my face is not pleasant and it also causes me to get drowsy. With that in mind, I leave a little later so that the sun can be covered by the sun visor.

Whenever I am going on a long drive (over 200 miles), I will make it a point to stop for short coffee breaks. I usually make a pot of coffee before departing and bring some along in a Thermos. Or, if I am not in a hurry, I leave home early enough to allow myself an overnight stay midway to the destination. That's a great benefit of being retired.

Recently, I took a trip to California to attend a four-chapter campout of E Clampus Vitus at Rice Army Airfield in the Mojave Desert. About halfway there, I stopped in Williams, Arizona to stay overnight at Circle Pines KOA Kampground. It was an enjoyable break with nice surroundings. 

There are some other ways to combat drowsiness on long drives and Do It Yourself RV has posted some tips.

The begin with:

Long driving days in the old RV are just as taxing as a full day’s work in a physical labor craft. It’s mentally and physically draining, especially if you do it often. Playing the ABC game or “punch bug no hit-backs” will only take you so far. For some, long drives are invigorating, especially if the scenery is spectacular.

Regardless of your persuasion, it eventually takes a toll. It’s not hard to understand why RVers take on excruciatingly long trips from time to time. Reaching your destination, especially an exciting destination, is a keen motivator. On the flip side, it can be tiring, which is when things become dangerous.

It’s one thing to fall asleep at the wheel in a Toyota Prius, and quite another in an 18-ton Class A motorhome going 60+ mph. According to a study conducted by the AAA, 17.6% of all fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021 were due to drowsy driving, with nearly 30,000 people losing their lives as a result. With that being said, the most important focus is safety, with the comfort that comes from plenty of sleep and not overdoing it.

 To read more, go here.

Travel Decision Fatigue

Above, taking a beak at the site of Twin Arrows Trading Post in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel decision fatigue.

I've never heard of it before nor have I ever (to my knowledge) ever experienced it. According to RV Lifestyle, it does exist.

Here's what they say it is:

Travel decision fatigue results from having to make too many decisions in a short time. This affliction is common among RVers, who have to make more decisions than usual as they travel…

The felt that it warrants an article on what it is and how to overcome it.

They begin with:

While traveling, RVers can become overwhelmed by the number of decisions they have to make. These can be big decisions, everyday things, or even tiny tiny decisions, like where to stay, what to do, what to eat…. whether to turn left or right.

These decisions, no matter how small, pile up and a lot of people experience negative effects, mentally and emotionally. It can really put a damper on how much you and your travel companions enjoy your trip.

So, I thought it would be helpful to write an article that explains what decision fatigue is and how to identify symptoms. More so, I want to share tips with you that will help you prevent or overcome decision fatigue as you travel.

To read more, go here.