Introduction
In America, driving an automobile is a symbol of freedom and independence. Research has shown that, if not handled properly, a loss of driving can lead to isolation and depression. It is important to remember that driving is a very complex task. As we continue our journey through the natural aging process, it becomes even more important that we remain cognizant of the fact that some of the skills required for safe driving may begin to diminish.
More specifically, we are talking about our cognitive processing and our physical abilities. In its simplest form, these are the two primary components required for safe driving. Did you know that the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that we are outliving our ability to drive safely by an average of 7-10 years? The purpose of this article is to provide a cursory review of each of these two fundamental components.
Cognitive Abilities
The complexity of driving an automobile cannot be understated. Cognitive or executive functioning can best be described as the brain’s ability to manage activities. Those activities include such things as:
- planning
- problem solving
- organizing and directing the body to carry out activities
- making appropriate decisions
- considering consequences
- working memory
- prioritizing details and tasks
- staying focused
Obviously, any and all of these cognitive abilities are critical to driving safety. As your executive functioning skills begin to diminish, your likelihood of being involved in a car crash is sure to increase accordingly.
Physical Abilities
No less or no more important to maintaining your cognitive functions is the importance of maintaining your physical abilities. Are you getting your annual vision exams as recommended? If your audiologist has prescribed hearing aids, are you wearing them or do you keep them on the nightstand? Are you taking your medications exactly as directed? Are you adhering to the warnings on the medication labels? Have you educated yourself on which of your medications may have an adverse effect on your ability to drive safely?
Do you exercise? Exercise can help improve an older driver’s overall coordination, strength, flexibility, balance and range of motion. Exercise can also help an older driver turn their neck and body to look beside them before changing lanes, or behind them before backing.
Conclusion
Safe driving, regardless of age, requires a keen mind and sharp motor skills. With the diminishment of cognitive and/or physical abilities related to the natural aging process, we may unknowingly begin to minimize the complexity of driving and simultaneously overestimate our abilities.
Just as there are infinite number of ways to keep yourself in good physical shape, there are just as many unique (and free!) techniques available to help you exercise your mind. Keeping both your mind and your body active as you age is sure to play a vital role in extending your safe driving years.
About the author: Matt Gurwell is the founder of Keeping Us Safe, LLC, a national organization that provides practical, real-life solutions to older drivers and their families.
Matt Gurwell is the developer of the nationally-recognized “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program. He currently lectures throughout the United States on topics related to the aging process and its adverse affects on driving skills. As developer of this life-saving program, Matt’s mission is to provide strategies and guidance to seniors that will help them to continue driving safely until the decision is made to retire from their driving career. The “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program also provides an excellent array of services and resources for both families and professionals as they deal with this very sensitive issue. Matt retired from a very distinguished and successful 24-year career as an Assistant District Commander with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. After leaving the Patrol, Matt has participated in a tremendous amount of work in the area of older driver research, best practices, current vehicle safety technologies, and adaptive equipment. Matt's creative, innovative and common sense approach, combined with his uncanny ability to bring calm and resolve to stressful situations without ever jeopardizing the dignity of others, has contributed greatly to the success of the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program. When asked what the ultimate motivation was for starting the program, Matt explains: "There was never one particular event. It was the result of 20-plus years of holding dying people in my arms at terrible car accidents, and delivering dozens and dozens of death notifications to families. I would much rather work with families to bring a peaceful resolve to this sensitive and uncomfortable issue now, rather than have them deal with it when a State Trooper is knocking on their front door". Matt serves as Senior Care Authority’s Program Director for the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program. Senior Care Authority (https://www.seniorcareauthority.com) is now the nation’s exclusive provider of the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” program.
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