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One of the most important safety measures is to have your
eyes checked regularly. As you get older, it's important to get annual eye exams
both to keep your sight up to par, and to catch age-related vision problems
early. (These can be general decreases in vision, but you might also suffer from
reduced visual fields, so that side vision is tough, or from distortion of
sight, which means that distances and objects may not be what or where they
look.) If you have poor night vision, or are bothered by the glare of oncoming
headlights, consider driving only during the day.
Avoid driving in bad weather, and make sure everything works like it should.
Check wipers frequently, and replace them as soon as they start to streak the
windshield. Be sure your turn signals work, dashboard indicators are accurate,
and headlights are clean and aimed at the proper angle.
Minimize potential distractions by turning off the radio, not using the cell
phone, staying out of heavy traffic, and sticking to familiar neighborhoods. If
driving long distances such as to Florida or Arizona for the winter, stop and
rest at least every two hours, and plan to limit driving to less than six or
seven hours each day.
If you have a disability such as arthritis in the neck or shoulder, you may not
be able to turn your neck well enough to see in reverse. Since that can
interfere with backing up, have a "partner" driver look for you or even get out
and observe.
Occupational therapists can help many older drivers, especially those who are
hampered by weakness and inflexibility. In addition, the AARP offers a driving
course called 55-Alive that can help you refresh your skills.
What are some other things I should watch out for, now that I'm an older driver?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more helpful driving
suggestions for seniors. For example:
• If drivers often seem to suddenly stop in front of you, pay extra attention to
vehicles in front of you. Maintain a safe distance between your cars: one car
length for every 10 miles per hour.
• If other drivers seem to be going especially fast around you, use the speed
limit as your guide. Don't feel pressured to drive unnecessarily fast, but going
too slowly can be just as dangerous. Stay in the right-hand lane when you can.
• If sharp turns are difficult to make, go as slowly as you need to and stay in
your lane. Use your signal and be sure it's off after you're through the turn.
• If highway driving gives you more trouble than it used to, remember to stay in
the lane that's going closest to your speed, and keep up with the rest of
traffic. Avoid traveling during rush hour if you can.
How can I tell if I should stop driving?
According to the American Geriatrics Society, the following warning signs are
hallmarks of an unsafe driver:
• Running stop signs or red lights without noticing
• Stopping at green lights for no reason
• Narrowly missing pedestrians or cars without realizing it
• Switching lanes or merging without looking
• Going the wrong way on one-way streets
• Getting lost in familiar areas
• Stopping in the middle of intersections
• Mixing up gas and brake pedals
Some red flags can also show up at home. An article in American Family Physician
alerted families that older people who have trouble walking, climbing stairs, or
performing heavy housework often struggle to drive as well.
If you're worried that you or a loved one may no longer be safe on the road, a
family physician can also help assess a person's driving ability by testing
vision, reflexes, strength, attention, and other factors. Contact your
Department of Motor Vehicles, Veterans Administration, or vocational
rehabilitation center for information on driving tests.
How can I help an unsafe driver?
If an older person you know is no longer safe behind the wheel, express your
concern and urge him to take a driving test. Your state Department of Motor
Vehicles is a good place to go for an evaluation. Some facilities use a paper
exam to test driving knowledge, sign recognition and symbol matching. Others
have computer software that simulates driving, and there's always the
old-fashioned road test.
You can also help by offering rides, or researching what local public
transportation exists. Check with the Agency on Aging near you -- there are many
transportation programs especially for seniors. And some places, like grocery
stores and health care centers, have vans or shuttles designated for seniors.
But be prepared for a confrontation: Many people resist giving up their
independence and mobility. Since giving up driving without an alternative means
of transportation can be a profound loss, help arrange an alternative such as an
account with a cab company, teenagers who agree to drive for a fee or as
volunteers, or a formal transportation resource. Getting people with Alzheimer's
disease to give up their keys can be especially tricky because they usually
don't realize their skills are slipping. Family members of Alzheimer's patients
may have to hide keys, move the car, or disconnect the battery cable to keep
their loved ones safe.
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