By David Christensen
One of the most difficult aspects of aging is the loss of certain freedoms you once took for granted, like being able to drive yourself anywhere you would like to go. Driving restrictions prevent some older adults from being able to get behind the wheel completely, or limit the times of day when they are permitted to drive. These conditions can be incredibly frustrating for active and otherwise healthy adults. But in order to prevent auto accidents from occurring, and to help keep older drivers safe as well as the people among whom they drive their vehicle every day, ophthalmologists and optometrists have the critical task of assessing senior citizens' abilities to drive safely behind the wheel.
1. Drivers over the age of 65 are the fastest-growing segment of the driving population.
The majority of older drivers are aware that their driving abilities can change as they age. A survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that over 70 percent of senior citizens say that drivers over the age of 75 should be required to pass a medical screening and renew their license in person.
Because many people in this demographic are completely cognizant of their limitations, they alter their driving practices so they can be a safer presence on the roads. For example, they may only drive during daylight hours, stay off of highways and away from fast-moving traffic, avoid driving in inclement weather, and plan their routes carefully. Senior citizens are also more likely to wear their safety belts and avoid drinking and driving, according to the CDC.
2. Vision care providers may not report senior citizens with failing eyesight.
While most vision care professionals feel confident about determining whether an older adult's vision is adequate for safe driving, according to Kellogg researchers, there are still some who don't consider themselves the most qualified to identify unsafe drivers. Findings revealed that optometrists and other eye care professionals have concerns about reporting unsafe drivers because they don't want the doctor-patient relationship to be negatively impacted, they fear liability issues, and they have concerns about doctor-patient confidentiality as well as how the patient's quality of life could be affected. Only a small number of vision care professionals communicate their driving concerns with the patient's primary care physician, or refer patients to a driving school or driving rehab specialist.
The Kellogg study also found that while eye professionals do question their senior patients about their driving abilities, while testing acuity, field of vision, and peripheral vision, they often fail to ask about factors that might affect a person's ability to drive. These factors could include medication, health changes, or how the person feels about challenging driving situations, like merging or backing up, or the patient's driving record.
3. It's not only eyesight that affects an older adult's driving abilities.
Of course, being able to see well is critical to good driving. And while eye conditions like macular degeneration and decreasing peripheral vision certainly impact whether or not a senior citizen's license might be pulled, there is more to driving than just having perfect vision.
Impaired hearing impacts whether a driver notices sirens coming toward them, or hear the horn of another car alerting them to danger. Slowed motor reflexes impact reaction time and the ability to make sudden changes, such as stopping suddenly or making quick changes to avoid unexpected traffic patterns or a child darting into traffic. Decreased flexibility and coordination are side effects of aging, and pain or stiffness in the neck can make it difficult to look over your shoulder to change lanes or check properly at intersections. Leg pain can make it tough to move from the gas to the brake pedal, and diminished arm strength affects turning the steering wheel as quickly and effectively as needed.
4. There are great benefits to taking alternate forms of transportation.
Google thinks the self-driving car is the answer to many a senior citizen's driving challenges and that this age group will benefit greatly from this innovation, but there are other benefits to alternate forms of transportation that older drivers can appreciate right now. Abandoning their personal car in favor of alternate forms of transportation is not only a cost-saver, it can improve a person's health (walking more when possible instead of driving) and expand their social circle (taking public transportation or ride sharing with like-minded neighbors and people in the same driving situation offers opportunities to forge new friendships).
About:
David Christensen specializes in helping victims who have been seriously injured in car accidents claim their benefits and get their recovery paid for. Christensen Law has offices located in Southfield, Michigan and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
