vision is a critical factor that impacts driving ability?57 Chevies, Harleys & Beetles
Is driving one of the most important things that you do? None of us can drive forever, but we all want to keep on driving safely as long as we are capable. "I don't want to have to depend on other people," says Nancy Rideout, a Retired and Senior Volunteer who drives people to medical appointments. "My father taught me to drive, and he was a good teacher, but that was a while ago. Laws have changed, and there are more cars on the road. 55 Alive gets you to thinking about things you've taken for granted." AARP's 55 ALIVE teaches you about the normal, age-related changes that interfere with vision, hearing and physical strength that typically influence driving ability and attitudes, and the impact of medications when driving, as well as their affect when mixed with alcohol prior to driving. Did you know that:
vision is a critical factor that impacts driving ability?
side vision is a problem for older drivers?
impaired hearing is a common problem for 20 percent of people age 55 and older, and 30 percent of those over the age of 65?
slower reaction time represents a significant problem for older drivers?
These problems are what lead to the typical traffic violations committed by older drivers, including failure to yield the right-of-way, improper left turns, incorrect lane changing, passing, and entering and leaving expressways.
"It was a worthwhile review," said Dr. Tom Brown, a home-delivered meals volunteer at the Upper Valley Senior Center in Lebanon. He recently attended a 55 ALIVE session held especially for volunteers that drive. "It brought to my attention certain useful driving techniques."
It's easy to develop unsafe driving habits over time. When you become familiar with something, you tend to take it for granted -- until the unexpected happens. Recognizing this, and that most older motorist began driving before formal drivers education existed, 55 ALIVE teaches you the rules of the road. You learn about driving problems and ways to prevent accidents, including what should be done in the case of adverse driving conditions. You're also taught the proper use and maintenance of your vehicle, and learn the safety aspects of the car including safety belt, airbags, antilock brakes, and child safety seats.
Your next opportunity to attend 55 ALIVE is January 26 & 28 in Canaan, New Hampshire. This course is being sponsored by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. in support of volunteer drivers. We are opening it up to the public. To register, or become a volunteer driver, call Teresa at (603) 448-1825. The fee is $8, due at the beginning of the first session.
This article is part of our RSVP Online Newsletter for January 1999. (This psa originally appeared in The Country Chronicle. Some text borrowed from AARP 55 Alive pamphlets.)
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