Getting Older

The aging process is an inevitable fact of life. Each millisecond from the moment of our existence brings an effect changes in our bodies both physically and mentally. These changes in the short term are infinitesimal and for the most part undetectable. Over many years however, the culmination of these changes brings us a result that is obvious and readily recognizable.  When changes in a driver’s physical and mental abilities affect their driving, the risk for danger is significantly higher.

Independence

Driving represents more than a mere convenience. It is a tangible symbol of our independence. Driving is a revered liberator from the inequities of society. Regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, cultural affiliation or even the presence of a physical disability, driving provides the same level of personal power and control. 

The Task of Driving

Driving is a multiple task operation that requires us to navigate through a complex network of traffic conditions that is always changing and is riddled with the potential for human error.  Safe driving demands mental acuity and a requisite of physical capability commensurate with the type of vehicle being operated.

The Elements of Driving

Driving is comprised of the 5 primary elements.

1. Good vehicle control
2. The adherence to traffic rules
3. An effective use of visual scanning
4. The ability to recognize and reduce risk
5. Emotional control to the extent that allows the driver to stay on task regardless of stresses caused by the surrounding traffic conditions. 
    

A Safer Driver

Apex Driving School’s is committed to improving traffic and driver safety. Because age alone is not a determining factor in a driver’s ability to continue safe driving, our instructional process is sensitive to the needs of older adults.

Our service to each student includes:

• A variety of driving tips and techniques proven to improve safety.
• Advice for vehicle modifications that make vehicle control easier.
• Recommendations on how to self-limit driving to reduce risk.
• Serving as an advocate and liaison with the Department of Motor Vehicles when license suspensions and revocations are in effect.
• An honest and objective assessment of your potential for safe driving.

The “Older” Driver

An “Older Adult” by statistical definition is 65 years of age or older. NHTSA, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (make the underline portion link to the follow: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.31176b9b03647a189ca8e410dba046a0  statistics conclude that the older driver:

• Is the fastest growing group in world population.
• As a group have the lowest crash rate. However, when adjusted for “miles driven” the crash rates are comparable to the highest risk group - teenagers.
• Are 3 Times for likely to be injured in a crash.
• In two-vehicle fatal crashes with a younger driver, the older driver’s vehicle was nearly twice as likely to be the one that was struck.

Diminished Capacity

Technology provides us with an array of devices to assist drivers with physical limitations. However, when the loss of mental acuity affect a person’s cognitive skills, i.e., judgment, memory, and perception the end of driving is close at hand. Although it’s never easy to give up driving, it may be necessary for the sake of public and personal safety.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you should strongly consider taking a driving assessment if you wish to continue driving:

• Do you have frequent near misses with other objects?
• Are other drivers honking at you?
• Are you finding new dents and dings on your car and have no idea how they got there?
• Are friends and family members refusing to ride with you?
• Are you having trouble with routine steps that were once automatic?
• Do arrive at an unplanned location or get lost near your home?
•  Are feeling afraid or becoming frequently angry at other drivers.
• Are you getting involved in crashes or being stopped by law enforcement while being completely unaware of the circumstance that led to that event?

Driver Assessment/Training

The elements and objectives of the Driver Assessment/Training

• Provide an objective and realistic perspective of what the driver needs to be safe.
• Replace unsafe driving tendencies with safe driving habits.
• To prepare the driver for a DMV Road Test.
• To help determine when safe driving will no longer be possible due to the progression of a diminished capacity.
• To prescribe vehicle modifications, that helps the driver compensate for physical limitations.