Older Road Users, Myths and Realities: A Guide for Medical and Legal Professionals

This book, one of the first of its kind, brings you state-of-the-art scientific information on the role of aging in driving behavior and motor vehicle accidents.

As our population ages, there will be an increase in the number of older drivers on the road. Those born during the post World War II baby boom are now reaching age 65 and are the first generation where driving has been a constant part of their lives. In countries such as Australia, the United States, and Canada - where driving is often a necessity - evaluation of driving ability and implications of potential accidents have become a concern.

This book teaches you about older drivers, their driving behaviors and actual risks versus perceived risks. While this study was conducted in Australia with predominantly Australian data, the findings are highly applicable to the United States and Canada.

This book gives you the most up-to-date information possible. It also explores the most common medical conditions that affect driving behavior in older people including neurological, cardiovascular, and other physical conditions; metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypoglycemia; dementia; psychological issues; visual impairment; and the influence of multiple prescription drugs and alcohol. Extensive chapters are devoted to diabetes, dementia, visual impairment, and prescription drug and alcohol use, as these appear to be the most common causes of impairment of older drivers. A model management program for older drivers with diabetes is presented, with suggestions on how it might be used with other medical conditions.

You will also learn about the epidemiology of accidents involving older driversincluding fatalities. This book also covers accidents involving older pedestrians and motor vehicles. It gives you an overview of common types of accidents involving older road users of all types and makes recommendations for managing and decreasing these accidents.

Of important concern is the evaluation of fitness of older drivers. This book teaches you about the different ways that older drivers are evaluated including the pros and cons associated with each. It also discusses mandatory age related driver testing. It also presents suggestions on implementation of driver evaluation programs as well as training for older drivers from an occupational therapy perspective.

This book also teaches you ways to help people manage the transition from driving to being no longer being allowed to drive. It covers issues such as alternative modes of transportation, community and family support, and therapy for psychological issues associated with this transition.

This book is a must for your library if you work with older drivers in any capacity.

Topics Include
Accidents involving older drivers
Accident risks of older drivers
Licensing procedures
Evaluation of fitness to drive
Medical review of older drivers
Vision and the older driver
Dementia and cognitive problems
Respiratory and sleep disorders
Neurological conditions
Effects of prescription drugs and alcohol
Diabetes and metabolic disorders
Older pedestrians
Occupational therapy assessment and training of older drivers
Transition from driving to no longer driving