Driving Today: Rules of the Road & Technology Updates

Transcription

1 Driving Today: Rules of the Road & Technology Updates Sherrie Waugh, MOT OTR CDRS Ph Occupational Therapist, Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist Community Health Network

2 Who am I? Occupational Therapist: Skilled health professional that works with people of all ages to increase/maintain independence in the activities that an individual wants/needs to do. Bachelor s of Health Science from Purdue University Master s of Occupational Therapy from University of Indianapolis Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist: A specialist who plans, develops, coordinates, and implements driver rehab services for individuals with disabilities. In-classroom and on the road training Certification exam through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

3 Driving Statistics In 2011, there were 35 million licensed drivers age 65 and over according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5,560 people age 65 and older were killed and 214,000 were injured in traffic crashes in In 2012 drivers age 65 and older accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities. 75% of traffic fatalities involving older drivers happened during the day and 64% involved another vehicle. Fatalities in crashes involving older drivers however declined by 13% from 2003 to By 2020 there will be more than 40 million drivers on the road in this age group.

4 Driving Today- What has changed? Roundabouts: Designed to make intersections safer and more efficient Michigan Lefts: Replaces a left turn with a U-turn and a right turn Interstate Speed Limits Rural Interstates: 70 mph Urban Interstates (population of at least 50,000 people): 55 mph School Bus Requirements You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended. If you are driving on a roadway divided by a barrier or an unimproved median, you are required to stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.

5 Single-Lane Roundabouts Proceed in a counterclockwise position Be prepared to yield to traffic on the left. You do not need to use a signal when going on as all traffic must proceed to the right. Upon leaving roundabout you must use a signal.

6 Multi-Lane Roundabouts Verify traffic to the left, they have the right-a-way. If there is no traffic present, do not stop; if traffic is present, yield and proceed when safe Position vehicle in outermost right hand lane Take first exit (completing ¼ of the roundabout

7 Multi-Lane Roundabouts Verify traffic to the left, they have the right-a-way Position vehicle in outermost right hand lane OR inside lane next to the center island Take the second exit (completing ½ of the roundabout) Make sure to remain in your lane

8 Multi-Lane Roundabouts Verify traffic to the left, they have the right-a-way Position vehicle in the inside lane next to the center island Take the third exit (completing ¾ of the roundabout) Make sure to remain in your lane

9 Multi-Lane Roundabouts Verify traffic to the left, they have the right-a-way Position vehicle in the inside lane next to the circle Remain up close to the center island until you have done a full circle You have the right-a-way once you are in the circle and others should yield to you Make sure to remain in your lane

10 Michigan Left Currently only located in North Indy (Allisonville Road & 96 th Street) How does it work? Proceed through the traffic signal and ~150 feet after the light there will be a signal indicating a U-turn. Complete the U-turn and then complete the right hand turn onto the needed road.

11 What can change as we age? Vision Skills 85-95% of the sensory cues in the driving task are visual Decreased peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, diminished night vision Increased risk for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and increased difficulty with near vision focus. Hearing Skills Guides a driver by providing warning information Age-related hearing loss most often occurs in both ears Physical Abilities Muscular strength decreases ~12-15% between the ages Loss of speed of muscle contractions and coordination with age Decreased flexibility resulting from arthritis resulting in increased difficulty getting in/out of car and turning head/trunk to check environment

12 What can change as we age? Cognitive Functioning Attention: Focused vs Divided vs Selective Memory: Problems with short-term memory may cause difficulties in retaining information over short periods of time (route choice). May affect the use of new in-vehicle technologies Skill Acquisition: Becomes slower making it more difficult to alter familiar ways of performing a certain task Information Processing: Requires more time to respond to unexpected events Decision Making/Reasoning: Due to decreased processing speed; these skills can be slower to respond

13 Driving Technology Driver Assistance & Safety Systems Push-button start: Easier for people with injuries, disabilities, and arthritis Blind-spot detection: Helps people with reduced mobility and vision increase awareness of surrounding traffic Rear-view cameras: Assists with safe backing Lane-departure alert: Uses a camera to analyze roadway markings and provide a warning to alert a driver who has moved out of the lane Automatic braking: Avoids crashes, including when parking Automated parking: Finds and backs into spaces or parallel parks without driver steering Adaptive cruise control systems : Maintains vehicle speed and following distance in traffic Navigation systems: Assists with finding a route towards a destination by provided turn-by-turn directions or showing a route on a map display

14 What is my role? As a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS): Determine if a person meets state requirements Understand the occupation of driving for each person Provide in-clinic evaluation of performance skills for driving Provide an on the road evaluation Provide follow-up services as needed

15 Who can/may benefit from a driving evaluation? Anyone can benefit! It can help keep you at the top of your game. If you feel your driving continues to be fine: A second opinion may verify your confidence If you are feeling your age : Identifying how slower reaction time or physical changes may affect safe driving and learn new strategies or tips to keep your driving safe. If you have one or more medical conditions: Chronic or acute diseases (including stroke, diabetes, arthritis, dementia) can impact safety. If you have been told that you should stop driving: But you don t agree. You can participate in the comprehensive driving evaluation to obtain a complete picture of your driving skills and potential for improvement. If you have recently been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer s disease: In the early stages you may be appropriate to continue safe driving or benefit from recommendations on alternate options when appropriate.

16 Physical Therapy and Rehab, Neuro Specialty Program Community Physical Therapy and Rehab Community Health Pavilion Ft. Ben Neuro Specialty Program 8501 East 56 th Street, Suite 140 Indianapolis, IN For more information or to make a referral, please call

17 Additional Resources Evaluate your driving ability Understanding mind & body changes Improve your driving skills Maintain mobility and independence AARP Smart Driver course offered through Touchpoint Exercise for Drivers Dementia & Driving Driving Evaluations Driving Wellness We Need to Talk