FAQ Answers
Answer to Question 1:
Q: How does the process of aging affect my driving ability?
A: The common aging factors which affect driving are:
- loss of visual acuity
- diminished hearing
- changes in physical strength
- psychological changes
- slower reaction time
Research shows a direct link between the kinds of driving problems experienced by older motorists and the physical changes that can occur in all older persons. The loss of vision, hearing and physical strength is gradual and can go virtually unnoticed until older drivers are faced with a driving emergency that they are no longer able to handle.
For example, the gradual failure of sensory acuity associated with aging reduces the quantity and accuracy of information capable of being processed. This reduces the ability of the individual to respond or react to his/her environment with speed and judgment current traffic often requires. By being aware of these normal age-related changes and learning how they affect driving, older motorists can compensate for them and become better drivers.
Answer to Question 2:
Q: What are some of the common vision problems of which I should be aware?
A: Common vision problems which affect driving are:
| CONDITION | EFFECT on DRIVING |
| Sensitivity to bright light | sunlight or headlights of oncoming traffic may impede view |
| Focusing ability | more difficult to judge distances and speed |
| Nearsightedness | difficult to distinguish road signs and gauge oncoming traffic |
| Farsightedness | increases fatigue and makes it difficult to concentrate |
| Decrease in depth perception | makes parallel parking and left turns difficult |
| Decrease in peripheral vision | may affect right-of-way situations |
| Cataracts (clouding of lens) | may blur vision, causing right-of-way problems |
| Glaucoma | may cause serious right-of-way problems |
| Macular Degeneration | affects central field of vision and usually results in inability to continue driving |
Tips on compensating for vision changes:
- wear sunglasses when glare is a problem
- limit night driving
- keep headlights clean and properly adjusted
- avoid eyeglass frames with wide, heavy temples (restricts side vision)
- have regular eye examinations
Answer to Question 3:
Q: Should I be concerned about hearing loss, and how significant is its impact on my driving ability?
A: About 20 percent of people age 55 and over have impaired hearing. Approximately 30 percent of those over age 65 are hearing impaired.
Hearing ability is more important to driving than many people realize. Hearing can warn a driver of danger signals like the sound of horns, sirens, and screeching tires. There are even occasions when a driver can hear a car but can't see it because of a blind spot. Good hearing helps drivers to be sensitive to what's happening all around them.
Answer to Question 4:
Q: What does physical strength have to do with driving ability?
A: Improving your physical well-being can help you be a safe driver. By increasing flexibility through exercise, you can prevent fatigue while driving and make steering, backing up, checking mirrors, and looking to the sides easier.
Answer to Question 5:
Q: What are some of the driving situations I should be concerned about?
A: Problem situations and tips for avoiding them include:
| PROBLEM | TIP |
| Failure to yield the right-of-way (this is the number one problem for older drivers) | Compensate for side vision loss by moving the head and eyes left to right several times; ask passengers to assist you in right-of-way situations to ensure that no traffic is in the way. |
| Improper left turns (this is the number two problem for older drivers) | If possible, avoid them by making three right turns (i.e. going "around the block") whenever possible; make left turns only when a green arrow signal provides a protected turn. |
| Blind spots | Always turn and glance over shoulder before changing lanes. |
| Entering/leaving expressways | Accelerate to the speed of traffic and enter the freeway by merging with traffic at the safest point. |
| Backing up | Turn your head and look out the rear window while steering with one hand. |
| Reaction-time difficulties | Increase following distance between you and the car in front of you. |
Answer to Question 6:
Q: Isn't it true that motorists age 55 and older have fewer accidents when compared with younger drivers?
A: While research shows that drivers age 55 and older are 25% of the driving population but have only 18% of accidents, drivers age 55 and older generally drive fewer miles each year than younger drivers. Therefore, when annual miles driven is considered, drivers age 55 and older do better than younger drivers, but not as well as drivers age 35-54.
Answer to Question 7:
Q: Are all the restraints provided in cars these days such as automatic safety belts, lap safety belts, airbags, and child safety seats, really necessary?
A: Yes. Safety belts are very important protection in all accidents including side impacts. Each of us should use both the lap belt and the shoulder belt.
Airbags provide protection in head-on collisions, and child safety seats are good for use with grandchildren who are not old enough or large enough to correctly fit in your car's safety belts. The safest place for children under 12, whether wearing a safety belt or in a car seat, is always in the back seat.
If you are a pet owner, you should even consider buying a pet safety belt at a pet store or auto parts store. During a crash your unbuckled pet, in addition to suffering injuries, can also by its movement harm you or other passengers.
Answer to Question 8:
Q: Can you tell me what safety features I should look for in a new car?
A: Here are some features to consider when you go to buy a new car:
| FEATURE | EXPLANATION |
| Safety belts | Baseline protection against all types of collisions. |
| Airbags | Protection in front-end collisions. |
| Side Airbags | Protection in side impact collisions. |
| Exterior color | Cars that are brighter in color are easier for other drivers to see at night and when it rains. |
| Size of vehicle | The larger the car, the safer it is |
| Anti-lock brakes | They improve stopping and steering control during sudden stops. |
| Head restraints | They prevent your head from being snapped back in a rear-end collision. |
| Side-view mirrors on both sides of car | These help with lane changing and passing. |
| Adjustable front seat | Allows you to keep proper distance between you and the steering wheel in case of airbag activation, and helps you keep your head above the steering wheel for maximum visibility. |
Answer to Question 9:
Q: Sometimes when I go to evening or weekend events I have a drink or two to be social. Could limited alcohol consumption affect my driving ability?
A: Yes, even a little alcohol can cause problems.
At age 55 and older, the body functions at a slower pace. The aging process slows down the metabolism, including the elimination of alcohol from the body.
Another problem exists for older drivers regarding alcohol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported that about 50% of all medications that older persons take can interact with alcohol. This can cause serious adverse reactions to occur. This should be of utmost concern to older drivers. Evaluate your reactions to alcohol and medications carefully.
Answer to Question 10:
Q: When should I consider limiting or giving up driving?
A: All of us as drivers will someday have to change our driving patterns as we move into higher-risk driving. Remember that you are responsible for your own safety, as well as the safety of passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
You should regularly reevaluate your driving abilities and what it takes for YOU to be comfortable behind the wheel of a car. Assess your personal abilities--vision, hearing, reaction time, and flexibility-- before driving. Then you will be able to make adjustments to keep your driving as safe as possible.
Each of us also needs to think ahead to the time when we might need to give up our license. Our capabilities as human beings and as individuals do not allow all of us to drive safely forever. It is strongly recommended that you investigate transportation alternatives in your community in advance of actually needing to use them. Some options include:
- walking
- carpooling with family and friends
- taxi cabs
- shuttle buses or vans
- public buses, trains and subways
- special services in your community, such as those offered by senior centers, religious organizations, or agencies on aging, or other community service agencies.
Your local area agency on aging or transit agency keeps track of all transit services in your area. You can find the numbers for these state offices in your local telephone directory.
You can learn (or review) a lot more driving tips and important information in your local AARP Driver Safety Program class.
