Sept. 25, 2003
Senior
driving was the topic of the Sept. 25 KARE-11 Today Show featuring Dr. Greg
Vercellotti.
Summary
: A study released last week
found that Wisconsins oldest drivers have a higher accident rate per miles
driven than every other age group except drivers 20 and younger. Only 22 states
have special re-licensing requirements for older drivers and Minnesota is not
one of those states. With the string of fatal car accidents in recent months
involving elderly drivers, it is important to examine the health issues that
could impair older drivers.
Key Points
1)
As
people age, their response times, the actions that require decision making,
slow down significantly. Accidents with seniors are often related to response
times. Elderly people tend to have slower response times, which can cause
problems when performing tasks like driving. The information processing part of
the brain starts to lose cells. This causes some slowing in nerve reaction and
decision making abilities.
2)
Vision
problems often present complication with elderly drivers. Cataracts cause
vision to be blurred and heighten a person's sensitivity to light. They are
extremely problematic for night-time driving. Glaucoma--abnormally high pressure
inside your eyeball--impairs peoples' peripheral vision. Macular degeneration
causes loss of central vision, which can make it hard to see important objects
on the road.
3)
Medical
conditions common in seniors can also create complications when driving. Early
onset of dementia and Alzheimers create problems in drivers because they
affect their ability to make decisions on their own. Arthritis can hinder
seniors' ability to make all of the movements necessary for safe driving, like
looking over the shoulder for other cars and checking rearview mirrors. Sleep
apnea is two times more common in seniors than in the general population.
Sleepy drivers can be as impaired as drunk drivers so it is crucial to get this
under control. If you are sleepy during the day and you snore at night, chances
are you have sleep apnea. Diabetes is another common condition in the elderly.
Low blood sugars can leave diabetics feeling disoriented and shaky with the
potential for losing consciousness. Parkinson's Disease can cause rigidity and
slowness of movement. The after effects of a stroke can lead to diminished
muscle control and balance.
4)
Often
times the medications that elderly people are taking can cause side effects
harmful for driving. Drowsiness is a major side effect.
5)
It
is important to watch out for signs that you or your loved ones driving is in
danger. Some warning signs include: failing to come to a full stop at stop
signs, moving too slowly on the road, making uncertain moves, being
inattentive, reacting too slowly, being honked at frequently, missing traffic signs
or being uncertain of what they mean, getting nervous at busy intersections,
being unsure of what to do, or being afraid to drive.
General tips for
safe driving
-
Have your vision and
hearing tested regularly
-
Know the medications
you are taking and what their side effects may be
-
Stay physically fit
-
Do not drive under
stressful conditions
-
Plan your route in
advance
-
Drive the appropriate
vehicle for you
If
you are worried about your driving, you may want to visit an occupational
therapist to have your skills assessed. To maintain a safe driving level, keep
your body and mind active. Crossword puzzles and word games may slow the loss
of brain cells in the decision making portion of the brain. A study conducted
at the University of Minnesota also found that aerobic exercise can reduce the
loss of strength, mobility, balance, and endurance that are vital for safe
driving.
More information
The
AARP offers a driver safety program called 55 Alive. It is the chance for older
drivers to upgrade their driving skills and get a reduced rate on their
automobile insurance, visit www.aarp.org or call
1-888-227-7669 for more details.
A lecture by Dr. Michael Wade
on senior citizens and driving will take place at the U of Minnesota on Nov.
15, 2003. E-mail or call Raleigh Kaminski at kamin003@umn.edu / 612-626-1601 for more details.
The Health Talk & You Web site provides general information on health-related
topics. The information is for general health education purposes only and
is not intended to provide medical advice. Specific advice on diagnosing or
treating a health care problem should be obtained from a health care provider.
Visit University of Minnesota Physicians
for a list of medical specialties at the University of Minnesota, or call
612-672-7422.
