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Keeping Older Drivers Behind the Wheel
Hugh Pickens writes "A new study shows the key role technology can play in extending the age at which people can drive safely and highlights the important psychological role that driving plays in older people's lives in contributing to feelings of independence and freedom and maintaining their quality of life. The study identified ideas for in-car information systems to help compensate for the reduction in reaction time that affects many older drivers. Specific recommendations included a head-up display on the windshield that displays road sign information based on GPS position so the driver doesn't have to keep watching the road side for information and a system to provide the driver with audible feedback on their current speed so the driver doesn't have to look at the dashboard so often. 'Our research highlights issues that have been overlooked by car designers and those advising older people on lifestyles,' says Dr Charles Musselwhite, who led the study. 'The current emphasis on developing technologies which take over part of the driving task may actually end up deterring older drivers. By contrast, better in-car information systems could help them drive safely and ensure they want to keep driving.'"
This is what we do in the UK - your licence expires at 70. You can get it back if you reapply - but only for three years each time. There is also checking done with your GP to be certain you are still fit to drive.
I know you were at least partially joking, but I can tell you how that happens because it used to happen to me, when I was in my mid 50s: my hearing had deteriorated to the point that I often didn't hear the turn signal clicking if I had other things on my mind, so it would, in true Energizer Bunny fashion, keep going and going and going. I finally realized that I had a hearing issue and got hearing aids and it doesn't happen any more. Hearing loss is often gradual, and few people notice it until it's gotten fairly bad, so that elderly driver may simply not realize that they can't quite hear as well as they think they do.
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That, sadly will happen to all of you... I mean us... ;-)
But it will also happen to eyesight, reaction time, ability to accurately gauge/apply brake and/or throttle pressure, etc.
Warning systems are not adequate to address these issue. I, for one, when I get to that point, will simply sell my car and turn in my license for a State Issued ID. Sounds unbelievable, I know... but my grandmother did something much similar one day with no one prompting her to - and she still drove better than many younger drivers out there... just not good enough by her own judgement I guess.
Having a brother who is an EMT, and me having regularly driven everything from motorcyles to small trucks to construction equipment to starships, I've gained more than sufficient respect for what damage I can do behind the wheel if I dont take such steps as I get older.
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