The Older Persons Guide To Safe Driving

This pamphlet is a practical guide with helpful suggestions on safe driving for older people. A discussion of the controversy surrounding older people's driving ability begins the pamphlet. Effects of aging on driving are discussed, including affects on vision, twilight and night driving, hearing, muscles and joints, and mental functions. It is noted that certain aspects of older drivers' health, such as medication use, may affect driving. Six situations in which older drivers most often make mistakes are discussed and suggestions are given to avoid errors. These include: (1) failure to yield right-of-way; (2) turning; (3) running lights; (4) improper changing of lanes; (5) improper passing; and (6) improper highway driving. Tips are given for bad weather driving, driving defensively, and long-distance driving. Pedestrian safety and seat belt safety are discussed. Continuing driving education is recommended. Safety when buying a new car and insurance for the older person are discussed. Recommendations are made to improve car and road design for older drivers and advice is given on when an older person should stop driving. (ABL)