Vehicle
It is essential at any age, but particularly important for seniors, to operate a
motor vehicle that “fits” them. As we age, we become more susceptible to
injuries or death related to a crash event. Physical changes related to normal
aging often require modifications to the way we drive. Changes in vision,
flexibility, strength, range of motion and height may impact our comfort. Being
able to optimize the drivers’ ability to visualize the road and to see other
vehicles surrounding them is a critical factor in safety on the road. The
ability to operate the vehicle itself in the safest manner possible requires
that the driver and occupants be positioned within the vehicle properly.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent,
nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing the
losses---fatalities, injuries, and property damage---from crashes on the
nation’s highways. It is wholly supported by auto insurance companies.
Information on the safety rating for particular vehicles and models can be
accessed at this link: http://www.iihs.org
IIHS has published a consumer brochure and video entitled: “Shopping For a Safer
Car 2008” which can be accessed at this link:
http://www.iihs.org/brochures/default.html They also produce “Status
Reports”, that can be accessed at this link:
http://www.iihs.org/sr/default.html on select topics including top safety
picks, motorcycles, bumpers, convertibles, and older drivers.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that mature drivers
choose a vehicle based upon their specific needs. Their recommendations can be
accessed at this link:
http://www.aaaexchange.com/Main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=38&ContentID=363
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Florida National
Older Driver Research and Training Center recommend vehicle features for senior
drivers that can be accessed at this link:
http://news.ufl.edu/2008/03/21/
aaa-and-uf-recommend-vehicle-features-for-senior-drivers
AARP has put together some safety features to consider when buying a car
which can be accessed at this link:
http://www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety/driver_safetyissues
Read an article on research identifying vehicle features that improve safety
and comfort of aging drivers and lifelong safe mobility that can be accessed at
this link:
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=835209
A community-based program called Carfit
has been developed by AARP, AAA and the American Occupational Therapy
Association. Their goals are to: help older drivers improve the “fit” of their
vehicle for their safety and comfort, promote conversations among older adults
and families about driving safety, and link adults with relevant local resources
that can help them drive safer longer.
Carfit “checkups” include 12 items
reviewed by trained volunteers. Items such as:
- Clear line of sight over the steering wheel
- Adequate distance from the front airbag
- Proper positioning of seat, usage of foot pedals and all mirrors
- Safety belt use and fit
 Through
a safety grant funded by the FDOT, Carfit
has been adapted to Florida and training
events for event coordinators and technicians plus seniors themselves
are being held all across the state. You can bookmark the following
site for event updates in Florida:
http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/RegisterCarFit/FL
More information about the program and upcoming events in your area can be
accessed at this link: http://www.car-fit.org
Safety Belts
Proper and consistent use of safety belts is the most effective strategy to
protect an occupant from crash related injuries. For an adult, the safety belt
should be worn low and tight across the hips and not across the stomach. The
shoulder belt should come over the collar bone, away from the neck and cross
over the breastbone. It should fit snugly. It should never be worn behind the
back because that does not effectively protect the wearer in the event of a
crash.
In Florida, front seat passengers 18 years of age and older are required to
use safety belts. (Section 316.614(5), F.S.)
Airbags
Driver and passenger airbags protect front seat occupants in the event of a
front end collision. Side or “curtain” airbags offer protection in side impact
collisions. A driver should position the seat at least 10 inches away from the
steering wheel in order to maintain a safe distance from the airbag and to avoid
injury if it deploys. Information “About Your Airbags” can be accessed at this
link:
http://www.iihs.org/brochures/default.html and specific information on
minimizing risk and injury for older drivers and passengers with airbags can be
accessed at this link:
http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/
menuitem.13dd5c887c7e1358fefe0a2f35a67789/?vgnextoid=d62ce66aeee35110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD
Head Restraints
Head restraints help prevent your head from being snapped in a rear-end
collision. It is important that the head restraint protects the middle of your
head and not serve as a “resting” spot.
Anti-lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes help improve steering control during sudden stops.
Position of Mirrors
It is important for the driver to always have a good view of the front, side,
and rear of the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with side view mirrors on both sides
of the car assist the driver to make safer lane changes. Outside mirrors should
help eliminate “blind spots”.
Other
Navigation and communication systems, like OnStar or other global positioning
systems add a level of safety and security to an automobile. OnStar specific
features can be accessed at this link:
http://www.onstar.com
Other types of new technology are being developed including potential ways
for the vehicle and roadway to interact. Vehicle Infrastructure Integration
(VII) is one such program where their goal is to provide a communications link
between vehicles on the road and the road itself in order to increase the
safety, efficiency, and convenience of the transportation system. The VII
consortium consists of vehicle manufacturers, American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), ten State Departments of
Transportation (including Florida), and the US DOT. An overview of VII can be
accessed at this link:
http://www.its.dot.gov/vii/vii_overview.htm
It is very important for seniors to be positioned properly and comfortably in
the vehicle in which they ride. There are a variety of pieces of equipment which
can have a dramatic effect on safety and comfort. Some devices are simple and
easily obtained and others require recommendation by a
driver rehabilitation
specialist.
If a senior experiences difficulty reaching to engage the seatbelt, simple
assistive devices are available to make this task easier. Items such as a
seatbelt adjuster, handibar, or expanded mirrors are available either in home
catalogs or at medical supply or auto parts stores. Other items that do not
require a specialist to install are easy-locking seatbelts, visor extenders,
steering wheel covers to improve grip, seat and back support cushions to relieve
back pain or improve the ability to see over the steering wheel, keyless
ignition, doors that automatically lock and open. Resources for ordering such
devices can be accessed at this link:
http://www.colonialmedical.com
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) advocates and
supports excellence in providing safe, reliable vehicles and modifications to
enhance accessibility for people with special needs and can be accessed at this
link: http://www.nmeda.org
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) addresses
automotive safety issues for persons with disabilities on their web site that
can be accessed at this link:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/adaptive
Driver rehabilitation specialists, many of whom are also occupational
therapists, have specialized training in identification of a driver’s strengths
and the physical, visual and cognitive challenges presented by the task of
operating a motor vehicle. They can evaluate an individual’s ability to safely
operate a vehicle and make recommendations about ways to limit risks. Many of
them are located in a healthcare setting in your community. More information on
driver rehabilitation specialists can be accessed at this link:
http://www.aota.org/olderdriver
There are vehicle modification items which require an assessment by an
occupational therapist/driver rehabilitation specialist. This is to ensure
proper installation and training on safe use. Examples of this include pedal
extenders, panoramic mirrors, hand controls, seat lifts, steering devices, etc.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) web page on adaptive equipment
can be accessed at this link:
http://www1.aota.org/olderdriver/adaptive-equipment.html
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists was established in 1977
to support professionals working in the field of driver education/driver
training and transportation equipment modifications for persons with
disabilities through education and information dissemination. More information
on these specialists can be accessed at this link:
http://www.aded.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
The rules for operating vehicles such as golf carts, scooters, etc. vary from
state to state and among municipalities. All local and state traffic laws must
be obeyed. No insurance is required unless mandated by local authorities.
Similar regulations (Section are in place for low speed vehicles (LSV) such as
vehicles must have adequate and functioning equipment. This includes adequate
brakes; reliable steering; safe tires; rear view mirror; red reflectors (front
and rear). Local governments may require inspection of LSV's. Section 316.2122,
F.S. governs the operation of Low Speed Vehicles on certain roadways and it can
be accessed at this link:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0316/SEC2122.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0316->Section%202122#0316.2122
In Florida, golf carts can only be operated on local or county roads
designated for such use. The posted speed limit must be 30 MPH or less. They
cannot be used on sidewalks or state roads. A user can only cross a state road
at a crossing designated for golf carts. Golf carts can only be used between
sunrise and sunset. Section 316.212, F.S. governs the operation of golf carts on
certain roadways and it can be accessed at this link:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0316/SEC212.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0316->Section%20212#0316.212
Motorized wheelchairs or personal assistive mobility devices, as defined in
Section 316.003(83), F.S. are governed by pedestrian laws. Section 316.2068,
F.S., is the statute regulating their use and it can be accessed at this link:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0316/SEC2068.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0316->Section%202068#0316.2068
When in a crosswalk, pedestrians and any individual using an adaptive device
always have the right of way.
Special safety considerations when operating a motor home includes both in
vehicle and on the road considerations. Examples include propane usage and
storage, vehicle and content weight, tires, towing, electrical system, fire
prevention and motor fuel options. More information can be accessed at these
links:
http://www.fabuloustravel.com/campers/rvtips/rvsafety.html
http://www.rv-life-and-travel.com/RV-safety.html
http://www.rversonline.org/RV4Safety.html
Available training may be available from your local motor home dealer or by
accessing this link: http://www.rvsafety.org
The primary responsibility of a driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely.
The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can
distract drivers from this task. The safest action is to refrain from using a
cell phone while driving. Research has shown that use of a hands-free device
(headset, speakerphone or other device) does not eliminate the distraction of
the conversation. If a driver must make or take a call, the best strategy is to
pull onto the shoulder of the road safely. Other distractions in the vehicle
should be minimized as well. It is recommended that you carry an additional
power source for a cellular phone in your vehicle, for use in case of emergency.
Learn more about driver distractions by accessing this link:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.54757ba83ef160af9a7ccf10dba046a0
It is critically important to have every occupant in a vehicle use a
restraint. The proper child safety seat depends on the child’s age and height.
Only children over age 8 may use the vehicle’s seat belt, as the vehicle
equipment is designed to protect adults.
Florida law (Section 316.613, F.S.) requires all children age 5 or younger to
use an approved child restraint device while riding in a motor vehicle. For
safety reasons, all children 12 and under should ride in the back seat of a
vehicle. To learn more safety information about traveling with children access
the following links:
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/CPS/4Steps.htm
http://www.kidsandcars.org
Infants from 0-1 year should be placed in a rear facing seat and be
positioned in the back seat. The duration is dependent upon manufacturer
recommendations for a particular seat. At a minimum, children should be in a
rear facing seat until age 1 and 20 lbs. Forward facing safety seats are
recommended until the child reaches the upper weight or height limit (usually
age 4 and 40 pounds) and the child should always be in the rear seat.
Booster seats are appropriate until the vehicle seat belt fits properly,
usually at age 8 or when a child reaches 4”9” tall.
Proper installation of a child safety seat is critically important. To locate
a Florida Occupant Protection Specialist who can help you install a child’s seat
properly or to obtain a low cost safety seat access this link:
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/CPS
A
child safety seat inspection station can be accessed at this link:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/FindFitting.cfm
Information
on ease of use for particular models can be access at this link:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/cssrating/index.cfm
Clear thinking and prior consideration is critical if you are in the
situation of being in a vehicle that leaves the highway and ends up in water.
Wearing your seatbelt is, as always, a protective factor, to prevent injury
during the crash event. Video and text which suggests several actions that you
can take to escape safely can be accessed at this link:
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/html/worstnightmare.html
 Links with a .pdf extension require Adobe
Acrobat to view them.
Download this free software by clicking here:
Adobe - Adobe Reader download
 |
