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Am I a safe driver?
By Times Staff Writer
Published November 29, 2005
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Life at the end of the road
For seniors reluctant to give it up, driving is independence. But for others, safety has become more important.
Test your driving fitness
Tips for a tough talk
The challenge for seniors, said Susan Frank, supervisor of the Gulfport Senior Center, is "accepting the fact that they've lost that independence (and) something that they took for granted for so long: the ability to be so mobile."
Let someone else do the driving
Most experts agree that, without a car, seniors have a hard time getting around, especially if family and friends do not live nearby.
Columns
When it's time to hang up the car keys
Are you ready to give up driving? Is your eyesight good enough and are your reflexes quick enough to handle the tough situations?
Giving up our spot in the driver's seat
To drive, or not to drive? Privilege or right? How big a part does age make in this decision, and who gets to decide?
Driven to continue driving
A few weeks back, a 93-year-old driver struck a pedestrian, severing his leg and killing him. The driver never slowed.
Sound Off
Letters to the Editor:
Part I: In the driver's seat
Part II: In the driver's seat
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Check the box if the statement applies to you.
I get lost while driving.
My friends and family members say they are worried about my driving.
Other cars seem to appear out of nowhere.
I have trouble seeing signs in time to respond to them.
Other drivers drive too fast.
Other drivers often honk at me.
Driving stresses me out.
After driving, I feel tired.
I have had more "near-misses" lately.
Busy intersections bother me.
Left-hand turns make me nervous.
The glare from oncoming headlights bothers me.
My medication makes me dizzy or drowsy.
I have trouble turning the steering wheel.
I have trouble pushing down the gas pedal or brakes.
I have trouble looking over my shoulder when I back up.
I have been stopped by the police for my driving recently.
People will no longer accept rides from me.
I don't like to drive at night.
I have more trouble parking lately.
If you have checked any of the boxes, your safety may be at risk when you drive. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your safety when you drive.
Reference: Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers
Compliments of Carlin Rogers Consulting, 2003
[Last modified November 23, 2005, 13:54:06]
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