April 2000

 

A Map for Staying Safe Behind the Wheel
Kathy Dothage, dothagem@missouri.edu

It doesn't matter how young or old we are; the open road beckons -- and especially so at this time of the year. You probably already have your road maps, so here is a map for helping you drive better. Normal age-related sensory, motor, and cognitive changes can undermine our driving abilities -- and heart disease, diabetes, and other medical problems can also take a toll on our driving.

About 15% of all licensed drivers in the U.S. are currently over age 65. That's a lot of drivers -- approximately 24 million people! These drivers have fewer accidents and fewer tickets than their younger counterparts. However, over-65 drivers do most of their driving on local roads, where most accidents occur. Consequently, as a group they have more accidents per mile than any other -- except teen drivers.

Although people certainly do not age at the same rate (and even different parts of our own bodies do not age at the same rate), age-related changes will eventually affect us all. A gradual loss of muscle mass and a slow decline in the availability of neurotransmitters in the brain -- as well as visual changes such as a thickening of the eye's lens -- are some of the more notable changes that occur. Altogether, these gradual changes tend to interrupt concentration and increase the time it takes us to evaluate and respond to information -- especially when many stimuli are vying for our attention.

(For example, watching for a street sign while also watching other cars and talking with a companion in your car may be difficult for the older driver. Medical complications -- from cataracts or macular degeneration to Arthritis or Parkinson's Disease -- can make it difficult to see or to maneuver an automobile. Medications are another concern -- especially in light of increased risk of drug interactions and side effects including drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.

The best automobile insurance you can carry is to stay active! Research shows that walking the equivalent of at least one block daily, taking a driving course specifically designed for older drivers, and driving frequently all substantially reduce automobile accident rates. Optimizing your vision and treating medical conditions can also help you preserve your driving skills. When a medication interferes with your driving, substitute another drug, change the time you take the drug, or adjust the dosage in consultation with your doctor.

Here is a "Thumb Nail" Driver's Ed Refresher:

• Limit your driving in bad weather, at night, and during rush hours.
• Eliminate distractions to your driving.
• Avoid left turns by going around the block and proceeding straight through the intersection.
• Increase your following distance (three seconds is recommended for normal driving conditions).
• Don't rely on your mirrors. Turn your head and look for other cars.
• Plan your route and use familiar roads when possible.
• NEVER drink alcohol and drive.

Adapted by Lois Fitzpatrick from an article in the Sept. 1999 issue of the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter, Health After 50.

 

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