Watch Where You Are Driving
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
As our population ages, so does the number of older drivers. Some drivers outlive the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Cognitive and sensory losses are gradual and often the driver is unaware of the changes.
At the same time, the number of pedestrians with visual disabilities is also increasing. Some use no walking aid and others use a red tipped long white cane. Recently, I was almost hit by a car whose driver either was not paying attention or could not see well enough to see my two white canes.
At some point in one’s driving life, he or she must reevaluate the ability to safely drive. I have written several columns on driving alternatives and evaluating one’s ability to keep operating a vehicle.
One of the hardest things in life to do is to give up driving. Giving up driving affects one’s independence and self-esteem.
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, the leading cause of injury-related deaths in 65-74 year olds is crash injuries. The second leading cause of injury related deaths (after falls) in 75-85 year olds is also crash injuries. When driving affects one’s own safety and the safety of others, it is time to stop driving. Indicators that it might be time to stop driving include needing help in seeing where you are going, not seeing pedestrians clearly, multiple accidents or having delayed responses to unexpected situations.
Florida law gives pedestrians the right of way. But more specifically Florida’s White Cane Law requires one to stop when a visually impaired person is crossing the street using a red tipped white cane. The law states: “Whenever a pedestrian is crossing, or attempting to cross, a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the intersection or place where the pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his or her vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian. A person who is convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a moving violation punishable as provided in chapter 318.”
Another way in which you can improve safety is to check how well you fit into your car? Can you see your blind spot? CarFit is a national program that looks at the safety and comfort of one’s car. Log onto https://car-fit.org/ to find a CarFit program near you.
There are services in our community that can help one evaluate his/her ability to drive safely. Florida Atlantic University Memory Wellness Center has a driver safety evaluation program. For information call 561.297-0502. AARP sponsors a driver safety program. For locations in the Palm Beach county area call 888-2277669 or log onto www.aarp.org/drive. Florida offers a non-drivers ID card to place the driver’s license as a photo ID. This is available at local Driver’s License bureaus.
