Healthy Aging Includes Safe Driving
Posted by peter88
from the Automotive category at
05 Aug 2011 01:10:08 pm.
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An often overlooked part of healthy aging is how some, if any, physical changes have affected how a person drives his or her automobile. Any adult who has had to discuss driving with an elderly relative knows how difficult such a discussion can be, as automobiles have long represented a certain level of independence no adult wants to give up. But even those who have yet to reach retirement age should assess their driving to determine if aging has begun to affect their driving. Such an assessment can help men and women determine if it's time to take steps to make themselves safer drivers.
Assess Eyesight
A driver's eyesight is integral to his or her safety on the road. Fortunately, eyesight can be corrected with prescription glasses or even surgery. Men and women who have trouble reading street signs or seeing street markings might need an eye examination. Also, if dusk or nighttime driving has grown more difficult it might be time for an eye exam.Difficulty seeing while behind the wheel puts drivers and their passengers at significant risk, but such a problem might be solved by a new eyeglass prescription.
Poor visibility might have nothing to do with a driver's vision. It could be a byproduct of certain external factors. Drivers having trouble seeing might consider adjusting their seat. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers should be able to see at least 10 feet in front of their own vehicle. A seat that is too low can decrease visibility. In addition, when taking a vehicle in for routine repairs, ask the mechanic to inspect the headlights to make sure they are working and aimed correctly.
Assess the Vehicle
As men and women age, they may find it is more difficult to control a motor vehicle. Strength, coordination and flexibility diminish as a person ages, and this can affect a person's ability to drive. But such physiological changes don't necessarily mean a person has to give up driving. It might just mean it's time to find a car that's easier to drive. For example, many drivers prefer vehicles with manual transmissions, feeling such cars are more fun to drive. However, as a person ages, the ease of driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes can make it much safer for that driver to be on the road. Older drivers often find smaller vehicles are easier to control, and such drivers should consider smaller cars if they're having trouble controlling their current vehicle.
Assess Personal Feelings Toward Driving
How a driver feels toward driving can also play a role in that driver's safety. Drivers who feel nervous or overwhelmed when driving don't necessarily need to abandon their vehicles and embrace public transportation. Such feelings might be caused by a driver's medication. Medication can make people sleepy or cause dizziness. Either of those side effects can lead to confused drivers who are easily overwhelmed when entering traffic. Discuss any symptoms with a physician, who might know alternative treatment options that enable drivers to safely stay on the road.
For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov.
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