There’s a saying many new drivers hear that also applies to the most seasoned drivers on the road: “It’s not the vehicles you can see that you need to worry about.” It seems simple on the surface, but there is a great deal of truth to the statement. Driving is a complex function, and the variables encountered on the road are endless. Not only do drivers deal with the vehicle, the roadway, basic road conditions, weather, hazards and personal limitations, but there are thousands of other drivers on the road — sometimes inches apart — dealing with the same issues.

While as drivers we can take many precautions to prevent collisions, crashes may still occur. For aging drivers, specific precautions should be taken to account for changes in physical, perceptual and mental functions to help maximize driving safety.

Avoiding Collisions

AAA provides tips on its specialized website, seniordriving.aaa.com, for senior drivers on topics ranging from steering and braking practices to avoiding collision. For steering, the organization suggests “9 o’clock” and “3 o’clock” hand positions on the steering wheel; this allows for maximum leverage and control; they also recommend making up to 180-degree turns of the wheel without removing your hands from the wheel. Aging drivers also are encouraged to learn about aggressive braking and how it differs in vehicles with and without antilock brakes.

After a Collision Occurs

Sometimes, collisions are unavoidable. In circumstances when a crash occurs, remain calm, and first determine if anyone has been injured. AAA offers the following tips to drivers who experience a collision:

• Stay calm.
• Make sure you and your passengers are not injured.
• If possible, maneuver your vehicle off the road to prevent a secondary crash.
• Alert the appropriate authorities by calling 911 right away.
• Report the incident to your insurance company, regardless of whether you are ticketed or think you are at fault.
• Do not admit fault to anyone. Factually report what occurred only to the police and your insurance company.
• Collect incident information from all parties at the scene, including any witnesses. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and get the names of any passengers as well.

How Can Simulators Help?

It is true that even for the most experienced drivers, crashes still may occur. But when family, friends and caregivers begin to wonder about the driving fitness of aging adults, virtual driving simulators can help provide the objective feedback needed to determine if independent driving still is a safe option.

One research study used a driving simulator to help examine the physical and cognitive functions of aging drivers. The study found that cognitive abilities in older adults correlate with driving performance on a simulator and with real-world crashes. Weaknesses in certain cognitive abilities, including visuomotor abilities, executive functions and memory, were particularly associated with poorer driving and increased the risk of crashing.

The researchers determined that the findings of the study provided support for the validity of driving simulation as a safe means of evaluating driving abilities that otherwise can’t be tested on the road. “The simulator allowed evaluation of the older drivers’ responses to a potentially dangerous situation, providing information regarding safety risk that cannot readily be obtained by other means,” the study concluded.

Citation:
Anderson, et al. Cognitive Abilities Related to Driving Performance in a Simulator and Crashing on the Road; Proceedings of the Third International Driving Symposium on Human Factors in Driver Assessment, Training and Vehicle Design; June 2005

DriveSafety virtual driving simulators can provide valuable feedback for aging adults and help improve driving ability or determine when driving fitness may no longer be safe. Clinical simulators can serve as a practical tool allowing for a safe, comfortable and convenient means of evaluating driving fitness.

Family, friends, caregivers or aging adults concerned about driving ability should contact DriveSafety today to inquire about the options for virtual driving simulation. Make the call before safety becomes a major concern and before a collision occurs.