Keep on Drivin’
Age alone does not determine
a person’s ability to drive safely; however
certain physical changes that are a natural part of
the aging process do affect one’s capacity to
anticipate and react to dangerous driving situations.
More than 19 million people over the age of 70 are
driving in the United States. According to The National
Older Drivers Research and Training Center, this age
group is the fastest growing segment of the country’s
population. Because of this, more attention is being
focused on helping these drivers recognize their changing
abilities and adapt their driving practices to stay
safe on the road.
Statistics from helpguide.org show that mature adult
drivers are more likely to be involved in multiple-vehicle
accidents than younger drivers, including teenagers.
They are also more likely to get traffic citations
for failing to yield, turning improperly and running
red lights and stop signs -- an indication of decreased
driving ability.
As people age, loss of visual
acuity, diminished hearing and slower reaction times
can all affect driving skills. In addition, mature
adult drivers are more likely to be taking medication
on a regular basis, many of which can affect driving
ability.
Even if vision is normal, their
eyes lose some contrast sensitivity (the ability to
detect sharp borders and slight changes in lighting),
which is critical to driving. Loss of contrast sensitivity
can make it difficult – at night and on very
bright days – to see road dividers and hazards
in unlit areas. Likewise, hearing loss makes drivers
less able to recognize important cues – honking
horns, screeching tires and emergency sirens.
Despite these potential problems,
mature adults value the independence and mobility
that their cars provide. Many compensate by making
changes in their driving habits. They may limit their
driving to daytime hours, avoid driving in inclement
weather or bypass expressways.
In addition, new technological
designs of vehicle parts have made driving safer for
all age groups. For instance, Wagner TruView headlamps
provide a truer, whiter light that delivers exceptional
forward visibility without creating the glare commonly
associated with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.
“More than 5,000 motorists have filed complaints
with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
about HID headlamps, but the glare is especially difficult
for older drivers, who are more likely to have sensitivity
to vision-related issues,” said Crystal Longest,
brand manger of Wagner Lighting at Federal-Mogul Corporation.
“TruView headlamps provide improved visibility
for drivers without subjecting others on the road
to offensive glare.”
Technological advances that
improve driver safety coupled with extra precautions
will ensure a more pleasant driving experience for
people of all ages. Here are some safety tips:
* Allow plenty of time to get
to your destination, and know where you’re going
-- map your route out ahead of time.
* Take a refresher driving course;
for example AARP’s “55-Alive” class
teaches people 50 and over about defensive driving.
* Be alert and give yourself
plenty of room to react; a three-second safety cushion
between you and the car in front of you is a good
guideline to follow.
* If you are uneasy in heavy
traffic, avoid driving during peak hours.
* Get regular check-ups for
hearing and vision; ask your doctor about your medications’
effects on your driving ability.
* Avoid potential distractions
while driving (radio, cell phones, conversations with
passengers, eating, etc.).
Wagner TruView headlamps are
available at leading automotive parts stores and repair
shops across the United States and Canada.
