MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT OLDER DRIVERS

摘要: A number of myths about older drivers prevail. Here are some those myths, and the facts, people on road. MYTH: Public safety will be significantly improved by getting off road, just because they old. FACT: Although it is essential to do a better job detecting whose age-related functional impairments place them at risk for accidents, most safe. When elders stop driving, almost always face severely restricted mobility, Rapid declines in health overall quality life follow loss with many costs society as well individual. Instead removing from we must ensure that have avenues remediation their deficits access adequate transportation alternatives. Older know when restrict or Some don't. problems, such declining central vision, may quite obvious. Cognitive changes, however, more subtle; very onset reduces driver's ability detect function. Whether these changes cognitive caused dementia slowing, difficult individuals whether abilities sufficient safe driving. Objective assessment needed. Aging associated inevitable make all adults high-risk drivers. While specific needed drive safely-such memory, physical strength, reaction time, flexibility-may suffer age, rate change varies greatly across adult population. Many not differ driving skills middle-aged counterparts, who statistically safest group By improving elders' functioning teaching compensatory strategies experienced degree loss, can help continue safely longer. it's unsafe themselves others. functionally intact simply lose confidence drive; no longer feel comfortable secure traveling certain times under conditions. In particular, women infrequently lost key only through neglect. assessed, often demonstrate safely. Physicians haw identify which patients likely experience difficulties, counsel issues. commonly state little effects losses would prefer leave entire issue department motor vehicles (DMV). physicians say violate patient's trust if express professional opinion could result person's license. Others concerns losing patient possibility facing legal action. But an increasing recognize ethical obligation discuss dangers diagnosed conditions compromise public. If person has significant problem his her safely, DMV readily situation goes license renewal. …