Preventing Serious Injury

Older drivers are often the safest drivers in that they are more likely to wear their seatbelts, and less likely to speed or drink and drive. However, older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when a crash does occur due to the greater fragility of their aging bodies.

The use of safety belts is the single most effective means of reducing fatal and nonfatal injuries in motor vehicle crashes.

Adjusting Your Seat Belt

You may find you need to adjust your seat belt to be sure it is positioned to protect you. The lap portion of the seat belt should remain low across the hips and the shoulder belt should fall across the middle of the chest and shoulder.

Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm where it can break your ribs.

Get more tips. Read Safe seat belt use for seniors.

older woman struggling to look over the steering wheel

Improving Vehicle Fit

According to CarFit.org, one thing senior drivers can do to improve their safety behind the wheel is to make individual adjustments to find their best person-to-vehicle fit.

Find your safest fit