The effects of aging on driving vary – BG Independent News

From SAFE COMMUNITIES OF WOOD COUNTY

Safe Communities announced today that there have been five fatal crashes this year, compared to four this time last year.

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Aging affects everyone differently. When it comes to driving, it is important to understand the impact age-related changes can have on a person’s safe driving skills.

To date, 80% of fatal crashes in Wood County have involved adult drivers. That’s an alarming number compared to 50% this time last year. Frankly, both numbers are alarming! 25% of crashes involving adult drivers this year resulted in injuries.

Adult drivers are one of our top priorities in Wood County. We have training and awareness available for adult drivers – just ask! We will speak to every group of citizens, civil society organizations and the like. We have our Car Fit programs, both large-scale events and 1-on-1 opportunities with Sandy, and a new educational opportunity to discuss the technology in your vehicle.

Let’s look at these talking points regarding adult drivers:

• Motor vehicle crashes are more harmful to older adults than their younger counterparts because older adults are more likely to have decreased functional skills and frailty, which can impact safe driving behavior and recovery time from injuries.
• Decisions about a person’s driving ability should never be based solely on age. However, changes in vision, physical fitness and reflexes can cause safety concerns. By accurately assessing age-related changes, drivers can adjust their driving behavior to stay safe on the road or choose other forms of transportation. (Auto fit)
• One way to stay safe while driving is to make sure you understand how medical conditions can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Discuss with your pharmacist annually how your prescriptions interact and affect your driving ability.
• Start talking about safe driving in general long before problems are noticed. Ultimately, it is a person’s driving performance, not age, that should determine fitness to drive. (Auto fit)
• Schedule trips during times of day when traffic is light, and plan routes to reduce conflicts with other traffic.
• Driving at night can become a challenge as one gets older, and honestly at any age.
• Older drivers can plan their schedule early enough to get home before sunset.
• During the winter months the sun sets early, so plan accordingly.
• If you are in the dark, make sure your headlights are on, slow down and keep an eye on all road users.
• Older drivers must be proactive to be safe drivers.
• Families of older drivers should work with their loved ones to plan for safe mobility, even outside the driver’s seat.

Posted by: David Dupont on May 4, 2024.