Elderly drivers on America roads are proving to be dangerous, and none of the 50 states has an age limit to stop driving. This article examines this issue and provides tips on safe driving practices.

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Are Elderly Drivers a Hazard on the
Roads of America?
Elderly drivers on America roads are proving to be
dangerous, and none of the 50 states has an age limit to
stop driving. This article examines this issue and provides
tips on safe driving practices.
In America, not one of the 50 states has an age limit to stop
driving. This is proving to be a concern because many
elderly drivers are causing havoc on the roads. There are
many elders taking all precautions to ensure safe driving –
they undergo medical examination including checking their
vision and hearing – with a view to staying safe and
preventing accidents to others on the roads. The question is
whether this will guarantee their safety as well as those of
others on the road. Safety is a major factor not only to
people on the road but the drivers. If not properly
monitored this can increase litigation costs, treatment costs,
medical record management and review costs and so on.
Age Brings Along With It Considerable Changes
to the Body
There is no denying the fact that age brings about changes
in your physique -- poor vision and hearing, weak muscles,
stiff joints, and poor reflex. Worse still, old people with
conditions such as AD (Alzheimer’s disease) may even
forget familiar routes. These make old drivers highly prone
to car crashes, just as teenagers. The rules regarding
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driving licenses for older adults vary across the nation.
Licenses are required to be renewed every 4 -6 years, but
mostly there are no safety-related policies for older drivers.
Sometimes, laws pertaining to driving change in the wake
of some untoward incident. Take for instance, “Katie’s
Law” that changed the driving rules in Texas after the
tragic death of Katie, a 17-year-old high school student in
Dallas. Katie’s car was broadsided by an elderly driver who
ran a red light, when she was on her way to school in
Spring 2006. Before this incident, Texas law demanded
only an in-person driver’s license renewal every 12 years.
After the incident, anyone aged 79 or older in Texas has to
renew the driver’s license in person. Those who are aged
85 years or older must renew their driver’s license in
person every two years. This renewal test includes a vision
test; in addition if the examiner has doubts regarding a
person’s ability to drive, they may ask for a driving test or
written test. The driver may also be asked to submit
medical records for review by a medical review board.
By implementing more effective driving rules, the
problems associated with elderly people driving can be
curtailed to a certain extent.
Some Tips for Elderly Drivers
• It is best to drive on familiar streets and limit the trips
to places near your home.
• As far as possible avoid spots that could pose risk such
as left turns and ramps.
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• In case driving conditions are not conducive, it is best
to allow extra time for travel.
• Never drive when tired, sick or stressed out.
• Do not use the cell phone when driving; avoid
conversations and listening to music when driving.
• Make it a point to wear the seat belt.
• Do not drive too close to another vehicle. In case
someone follows you closely, slow down to let
him/her pass.
• It is best to drive a car with safety features such as air
bags.
• Go for a car that has features that facilitate driving, as
for instance power steering, power brakes, large
mirrors and automatic transmission.
How Family Members Can Help Older Drivers
Family members can take an effort to judge whether their
elderly loved one has the capability to drive and manage
the challenges involved. The three main things to check for
are vision, motor/sensory function and cognition. If any
kind of incapability is identified, it is best to gently put it
across to them that driving may not be safe anymore.
However, they should also be ensured of alternate
arrangements for their transportation so that their routine
activities are not much disturbed.
Posted by MOS Medical Record Review Company
http://www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com/
http://www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com/
1-800-670-2809