Wilf Campus for Senior Living Puts Seniors’ Safety First by Sponsoring Safe Driving

SOMERSET, N.J. - June 4, 2015 - PRLog -- As we age, driving the roads we’ve been familiar with all of our lives can become difficult, like navigating an obstacle course. And driving isn’t about being behind the wheel of the latest souped-up high-performance vehicle, but one that is safe and secure for members of an aging population.

With those challenges in mind, the Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living in Somerset will sponsor an event with representatives from AAA (Automobile Club of America) on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot in front of Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County, Concordia Shopping Center, Monroe Township, NJ.

Seniors can have their cars assessed by an AAA professional, who will make sure that mirrors and the steering wheel are in the correct spot for the driver’s height, and that seats are also positioned properly. Other safety features will also be reviewed.

The AAA professionals will also make helpful suggestions on how to make cars safer and they will provide information about new products that can keep seniors driving safer longer.

As seniors strive to stay independent by being able to drive wherever they need to go, it is equally important to stay on top of yearly eye examinations and other routine check-ups such as hearing evaluations to be sure that one is still up to the task of driving.

AAA offers valuable tips and resources for seniors at dev.seniorliving.aaa.com. There, you can learn about how you can evaluate your driving ability, understand mind and body changes that impact driving, improve your driving skills, and maintain mobility and independence.

AAA advises seniors to pay attention to the following issues before preparing to drive a car, especially with any vehicle that may be new.

“You will want to make adjustments to optimize your fit with the vehicle when you prepare for a drive. Initial seat, steering, mirror and other components likely won’t be set to your preferences. It only takes a few minutes to make these adjustments, and can really pay off in terms of comfort, visibility and overall safety,” notes the AAA website.

·         Pre-Drive Vehicle Inspection: As you approach your vehicle to prepare for a drive, walk around it and look for things that may be an issue, such as a broken taillight, fluids under your vehicle, or an under-inflated tire;

·         Your Body’s Fit with the Vehicle: Achieving a good fit between your body and a vehicle is very important to safe driving, and it involves seating position, headrests, steering wheel grip and more.

·         How to Use & Adjust Your Mirror: Are your mirrors properly adjusted to reduce blind spots and enhance situational awareness?

·         Using Your Safety Belt: Safety belts save lives, and every occupant in your vehicle needs to wear one. Add buckling up to your list as you prepare for a drive.

In its newsletter, “Pathways to Independent Living,” Senior Helpers in Somerset offers some driving tips for senior citizens to help keep them safe:

1.       Reaction time can decrease as you get older, making it difficult for you to brake suddenly. Leaving at least two car length spaces between you and the vehicle in front of you can help avoid collisions.

2.       See your doctor for annual hearing check-ups. Seniors who wear hearing aids should be sure to use them while driving. Beware of driving with the windows down as drafts can impact how well hearing aids work.

3.       Get enough rest at night and be sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel.

4.       Senior Defensive Driving Courses are useful classes that are often offered by your insurance company for free or at a discount

5.       Keep up with medications as some can cause drowsiness or impair vision. Beware of the warnings and the side effects listed on the labels of your medications.

6.       Being a physically active senior can improve strength, flexibility and improve driver safety by making it easier to look over your shoulder, turn the steering wheel and make other movements while driving.

For more information about the AAA event which is part of The Wilf Campus Educational Series, call 609-480-4374.

The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living is comprised of Stein Assisted Living, Jaffa Gate Memory Care Neighborhood, Stein Hospice, Wilentz Senior Residence, Wilf Transport, Wilf At Home, and The Foundation at the Wilf Campus. For more information, contact us at (732) 568-1155 (tel:%28732%29%20568-1155), info@wilfcampus.org or visit us at www.wilfcampus.org.