First, I recognize that I need to have a certain level of
ability to see and react to the road, to pedestrians, to drivers and
bikers. I also need to be able to maintain my high level of alertness
the whole time I am driving. Experts say that most of the information
we require for good driving is visual, so how my eyes have changed with
age is something I should consider as I ask myself about my driving
ability today. How many of us know what actually happens to our eyes as
we grow older? Like me, you probably have noticed that you need more
light to see well. In fact, research has found that at age 60, we need
three times more light to see as efficiently as we did when we were age
20. There is actually a decline in the size of the eye's pupil, that
black center which permits light to enter the eye. This change in
visual capacity obviously affects me more at low levels of light, at
night, twilight, or under gray skies. For instance, it is harder for me
to see potholes and other road hazards, reducing the time I have left to
avoid them. Also, my eyes do not adjust quickly which I drive through
tunnels, into shadow, or during storms. Night driving becomes
particularly difficult for older drivers. I do not avoid night driving
because I intend to remain independent and socially active as long as
possible and sometimes I need to drive in darkness. But, I do reduce my
speed for safety, so that I give myself greater time to discern and
react to road hazards. Also, I try not to drive after dark on
unfamiliar roads. If I know I will be driving during darkness, I take a
"dry run" during daylight hours to familiarize myself with the route and
the general condition of the roads I'll be traveling. The greatest
aid to safety is probably that I have regular eye examinations. My
doctor tests my peripheral as well as my focal vision and he watches for
progressive eye diseases which affect vision. I trust my eye doctor to
do a thorough exam. After all, my safety and the safety of others
depends on my ability to see as I drive. Instead of being afraid to
have my eyes examined, I am relieved to know my eye doctor has my
interests at heart and is concerned about my overall well-being.
The more you know about your changing body, the
more you will be able to adjust your habits to enhance safety and reduce
risk. You cannot rely on your State Driver Licensing test because it
is too limited to determine how well your eyes really function as you
drive.Fletch Safety Tip #2
Understanding Driving Vision
As
I reached middle age, subtle physical and mental changes began to occur
that affected my driving. As I approached my eightieth year, I began to
wonder whether I could continue to drive safely. What factors should I
consider?Fletch Safety Tip #2:
Have regular eye exams and never miss a routine
medical checkup.
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