Driving tips for seniors on the road
Just
as you would screen for high cholesterol or high blood pressure,
AAA has introduced a first-of-its-kind scientifically validated
tool designed to help seniors screen for their driving health.
And it can be done in the privacy of one's home. Roadwise
Review: A Tool to Help Seniors Drive Safely Longer is
a CD-ROM that measures eight physical and mental abilities
shown to be the strongest predictors of crash risk among
older drivers and then provides feedback to guide the user's
driving decisions.
"As
we age, we experience physiological changes that could affect
our driving, and there are steps you can take to keep driving
safely longer," said Mike Right, vice president, Public
Affairs, AAA. "Roadwise helps seniors recognize
common problems that affect their driving ability."
People
over 65 are the fastest-growing population in the United
States, and by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed
drivers ages 65 and older. Because of their fragility, seniors
have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except
teenagers.
The
computer-based screening program in Roadwise contains
the most effective predictors of crash risk in eight functional
areas as validated in research sponsored by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute
on Aging. AAA worked closely with scientists at TransAnalytics,
a leading transportation safety research organization, to
create a tool that is both state-of-the-art and user friendly.
Using
video and easy-to-follow instructions, Roadwise screens
drivers in eight functional areas:
-
Leg
Strength and General Mobility - necessary to control acceleration
and braking
-
Head/Neck
Flexibility - essential in checking blind spots, lane
changes or merging
-
High
Contrast Visual Acuity - needed to identify pavement markings
and signs
-
Low
Visual Acuity - vital for driving in low visibility conditions
-
Working
Memory - important in following directions, remembering
traffic rules
-
Visualization
of Missing Information - helps recognize hazards
-
Visual
Search - ability to quickly find and recognize traffic
signs
-
Useful
Field of Vision - ensures drivers ability to notice safety
threats at the edge of vision
Roadwise
uses an integrated data system that provides users with
confidential feedback about screening results and its CD-ROM
format is comparable with most home computers. Roadwise
is recommended for PCs running Windows XP, 2000, ME, or
98 running 633 MHz or faster.
(Source: AAA) |