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Older Drivers :.... Continued
5 . Drive when the roads — and you — are in good condition
You can improve driver safety by driving during the daytime , in good weather , on quiet roads and in familiar areas . If visibility is poor , consider delaying your trip or using public transportation .
Beyond road conditions , make sure you ' re in optimal condition to drive . Don ' t drive if you ' re tired or angry .
WiregrassSeniorsMagazine . com While you ' re driving , don ' t do anything that takes your focus from the road — even eating or adjusting the radio .
Make a pledge to never use or even look at your cellphone while driving : no talking , texting or posting of any kind .
The National Safety Council also advises against any type of phone conversation or voice-to-text features while driving , including hands-free and Bluetooth devices .
Never drive after drinking alcohol or using other mindaltering substances . This includes marijuana — even if it ' s been prescribed to you for medical use . 6 . Stash your cellphone and focus on the road
Driving while distracted is a frequent cause of accidents . Take steps before you go to ensure your ability to focus .
When you get in your vehicle , be prepared . Plan your route ahead of time so that you don ' t need to read a map or directions while driving . If you use a GPS device , enter your destination before you start driving . If necessary , call ahead for directions .
While you ' re driving , don ' t do anything that takes your focus from the road — even eating or adjusting the radio .
Make a pledge to never use or even look at your cellphone while driving : no talking , texting or posting of any kind .
The National Safety Council also advises against any type of phone conversation or voice-to-text features while driving , including hands-free and Bluetooth devices .
6 . Stash your cellphone and focus on the road Driving while distracted is a frequent cause of accidents . Take steps before you go to ensure your ability to focus .
When you get in your vehicle , be prepared . Plan your route ahead of time so that you don ' t need to read a map or directions while driving . If you use a GPS device , enter your destination before you start driving . If necessary , call ahead for directions .
7 . Update your driving skills Consider taking a refresher course for older drivers . Updating your driving skills might even earn you a discount on your car insurance , depending on your policy . Look for courses through a community education program or local organizations that serve older adults .
If you become confused while you ' re driving or you ' re concerned about your ability to drive safely — or others have expressed concern — it might be best to stop driving . Consider taking the bus , using a van service , hiring a driver or taking advantage of other local transportation options . Giving up your car keys doesn ' t need to end your independence . Instead , consider it a way to keep yourself and others safe on the road .
Grandparent Truisms
Grandchildren don ' t make a man feel old ; it ' s the knowledge that he ' s married to a grandmother .
It ' s amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one .
If your baby is " beautiful and perfect , never cries or fusses , sleeps on schedule and burps on demand , an angel all the time ," you ' re the grandma .
An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again . Anything longer than that , and you start to age quickly .