Loss of feeling or tingling in your fingers and feet can make it difficult to steer or use the foot pedals. Stiff joints or weak muscles also can make it harder to move quickly. As you get older, your reflexes might get slower, and you might not react as quickly as you could in the past. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your health problems or medications might make it unsafe for you to drive. Some drugs include a warning about driving, but even those that do not might have a negative effect. Some medicines can make you feel drowsy, lightheaded, or less alert than usual, which can make driving unsafe. Discuss your concerns with your doctor as there may be treatments that can help. Have your hearing checked at least every three years after age 50 or more frequently if you have had chronic exposure to loud noises or have other risk factors for hearing loss. These sounds warn you when you may need to pull over or get out of the way, or when there is a possible mechanical issue with your vehicle. As you grow older, your hearing can change, making it harder to notice horns, sirens, or even noises coming from your own car. If you need glasses or contact lenses to see far away while driving, make sure your prescription is up to date and correct. If you are 60 or older, get a dilated eye exam from your eye doctor every one to two years. Eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as some medicines, can also cause vision problems. Depending on the time of day, the sun might be blinding. Glare from oncoming headlights or streetlights can be a problem. At night, you may have trouble seeing things clearly. It may also take longer to read street or traffic signs or even recognize familiar places. It might be harder to see people, things, and movement outside your direct line of sight. Your eyesight can change as you get older. Think about getting hand controls for both the gas and brake pedals if you have leg problems. If pain, stiffness, or arthritis seem to get in the way of your driving, talk with your doctor. These changes can make it harder to turn your head to look back, turn the steering wheel quickly, or brake safely. Arthritis, which is common among older adults, might affect your ability to drive. As you age, your joints may get stiff, and your muscles may weaken.
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