Are You Distracted When You Drive?

Did you know that it’s not just teenagers who are driving distracted? It’s been shown that because there are so many Baby Boomers who own smartphones (about 40 million) that they are just as likely to be distracted by the phone and texting as teenagers.

A survey by Popular Bulletin showed that by “2050 fully one-fifth of all of the US population will be 65 and older.” Because of this it’s critical that those of us “of a certain age” are paying attention to the roads and are not being distracted by our cell phones. Consider too, that many Boomers are healthy, fit and are typically better drivers than in the past and are also putting a lot of miles on the car and you can see the need for paying attention while you’re behind the wheel.

A report from the Wayne State University showed that “100% of 45 to 59-year-olds veered into other lanes while texting while only 25% of 18 to 24-year-olds did.” The statistics are startling for either age, but show that Boomers are more likely to be involved in a distracted driving accident.

Just as teenaged drivers may feel they are invincible, because of the advances in auto technology and safety features, Boomers may feel that way as well.

If you’re a caregiver and you know that your aging loved ones are using their smartphones while they are behind the wheel it is time to have a talk with them – just the same as you would with your teenager – to warn them of the dangers.

If you find that you’re texting while driving because you feel you simply don’t have the time to answer a text when you’re safely off the road you may need to look at your habits, your lifestyle and rethink your priorities. Ask for help. Reach out to family members. Talk to members of senior service providers in your area and see about hiring help to lessen your responsibilities so that you, too, can stay safe on the roadways.