Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
Senior Drivers: Warren Sturla, of Saratoga, gets help routing a trip from Lenae Daggett, a service representative at the AAA office in Los Gatos.
Planning a trip should include getting ready for the journey
Older motorists need to be prepared
By Rita Baum
In past columns, we looked at how older drivers fit in a highly mobile, fast-paced urban society that calls for high alertness and quick action on the road. With the warm summer months upon us, drivers of all ages get a yearning to be out on the open road, and it is estimated that this summer 28 percent of those motorists will be over 50 years old. Many of us have grown up hearing adages with warnings intended to avert undesirable situations: A stitch in time saves nine, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, let's wrap up the series with some advice on accident prevention.
Competent older drivers could find their driving abilities compromised, if they are not alert to subtle physical and health changes that affect seeing, hearing and movement. And for seniors keeping tabs on their health, vision is No. 1 when it comes to driving. Have an eye exam annually, or whenever unusual symptoms appear. Avoid tinted glasses or contact lenses after dusk, as well as glasses with wide, heavy temples that restrict side vision.
If hearing seems less than perfect have a hearing exam by a physician. If hearing impaired, check mirrors frequently and keep conversation, fan and radio noise to a minimum. Keep car windows slightly open to heighten awareness of sirens, horns and traffic sounds and watch for flashing lights. Driving or not, keep hearing aids well maintained.
Stretch regularly and keep neck and shoulders flexible to enable quick head turns to check for blind spots when changing lanes. And keep physically fit by walking, dancing or other activity. Be aware of the possible side affects of some over-the-counter or prescription drugs that can dull reflexes and reduce alertness.
It's frustrating to be behind a driver who is too busy eating, talking on the phone or applying makeup to notice that the light has changed to green. But there are many other distractions that are not only annoying, but also dangerous. Anything that prevents using both hands and eyes for driving can cause the driver to take his or her attention from the road long enough to cause a serious accident--attending to a child, reaching for something on the floor, or adjusting the radio or other instruments on the front panel.
A cell phone can be an important aid when a driver is in need of directions or emergency road help. But it, too, can be the distraction that results in an accident. It's best to pull over, or use the phone briefly while stopped, however, when necessary to make a call while driving. Use speed dialing and hands-free devices, if talking on the phone and suspend use of the phone altogether in heavy traffic.
Ninety percent of accidents are avoidable when motorists follow the laws and use common sense. A prudent driver will plan ahead, so that driving is done only at optimum times and conditions, and will be willing to change plans, if hazardous weather or a busy commute hour is anticipated.
Many retirees enjoy finally being able to take long road trips in cars or motor homes. Trip planning should include studying a map to know the route well, avoiding long driving stretches that produce fatigue, and designating a passenger as navigator when possible.
A map is also a driver's friend when driving locally to an unfamiliar area, especially at night. The fatal accident rate is several times higher at night than during the day. Check the map and do a practice run in daylight, if possible. If the route includes a left turn at a heavily congested intersection, or into an area that has no left turnout lane, use a series of right turns instead.
Some drivers simply are not comfortable with freeway driving--particularly merging and changing lanes--and believe that the minimum speed is too fast. If driver training doesn't produce the necessary confidence and skill, it's better to avoid freeway driving altogether.
Auto maintenance is an important aspect of safe driving. Headlights and brake lights should be checked regularly in between mechanic checks. It's a good idea to shine the lights on a wall before driving at night to make sure that both high and low beams are working, and to clean head lights when cleaning the windshield and after driving on wet or muddy roads.
Gas stops are a good time to check to see that both brake lights are working, and to check tire pressure and tread. Windshield wiper blades should be checked for wear and tensions on the glass before wet and cold weather season starts. Check the auto manual to learn when and what parts should be serviced by a mechanic.
Accidents happen, even to safe drivers. If an accident occurs, the driver must stop. If the accident is a minor one, move out of the traffic lane and exchange information. If anyone is hurt (no matter how slightly), call 9-1-1. Drivers must exchange driver licenses, registration cards, insurance, current address, and make, model and year of the car. A written report must be made to the police or California Highway Patrol within 24 hours if there was more than $500 in damage or anyone was injured or killed.
If the other party refuses to give information, make note of his or her license plate number. To reach the local police or California Highway Patrol, dial 9-1-1. It's a good idea to carry a disposable camera in the glove box. Emergency (911) calls from a cell phone for you or to help another motorist are free. In order to be fully informed in case of an accident, motorists are advised to read the material related to accidents in the California Driver 2001 Handbook available from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Despite driving fewer miles than in younger years, most older people still depend on their own cars for transportation. Public transit accounts for less than 3 percent of trips taken by seniors, and senior transport programs even less. Basic driving practices should be reviewed periodically. Seats and mirrors should be adjusted and seat belts fastened before starting the car.
With attention to the important aspects of driver safety and car maintenance, driving can continue to be safe and satisfying, and the privilege to drive can be retained well into one's senior years. After all, driving is not a right, but a privilege.
Next month we'll conclude the older driver series with a checklist of important tips on accident prevention from the California Driver Handbook, the 55 Alive Safe Driving Course.
Rita Baum is a Los Gatos resident. She has a master's degree in gerontology and has worked in the field of aging for more than 20 years.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
