This week, December 1-7, 2019, is recognized nationally, as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this awareness campaign is “the perfect opportunity to discuss the special safety concerns of older drivers. NHTSA and their partners from the American Occupational Therapy Association, AARP, AAA, and the CDC encourage drivers and their families to begin a ‘transportation plan,’ much like what many are encouraged to do for retirement.”
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explains that “Driving helps older adults-persons 65 and older-stay mobile and independent. However, as we age, declines in vision and cognition (ability to reason and remember), and physical changes might affect driving. Certain medical problems such as heart disease, dementia, sleep disorders, and limited hearing and vision place older adults at an increased risk of car crashes.”
The CDC suggests discussing any medical issues that could affect your driving with your healthcare professional. To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/features/older-driver-safety/index.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/older-drivers/keeping-our-older-drivers-safe-road