SIOUX CITY | As their age increases, so does the likelihood elderly drivers will be involved in a car crash.
Still, Amy Callaghan, a primary care physician and medical director of Siouxland PACE, said it's difficult to get mom, dad, grandma or grandpa to hand over the car keys even though hearing or vision loss, dementia or even arthritis is affecting their driving ability.
"It's something they've been doing for years and years. I don't think they recognize that there's any difference in their driving ability," she said. "There is an increase of accidents over the age of 70."
Patients experiencing the following problems, Callaghan said, should speak with their family physician about having a geriatric assessment, a combination of physical and psychosocial tests that assess whether an individual can drive safely.
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"You're not a very popular person when you make a recommendation that they need a driving test," said Callaghan, who sees frail patients 55 years of age and older in the UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's program at 313 Cook St. "It's so emotionally based."
She recommends that family members discuss their concerns with their loved ones and accompany them to the geriatric assessment.
If deemed no longer fit to get behind the wheel, Callaghan said the elderly can still maintain their independence by utilizing the Siouxland Regional Transit System, walking, biking or riding with a friend.
She said there are steps individuals can also take to improve their driving abilities in an attempt to keep their driver's licenses.
PROBLEM: Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration become more common as people get older. These eye disease and changes in peripheral vision, the part of vision that occurs outside the very center of gaze, can increase the risk of crashes.
SOLUTION: Vision deficits, Callaghan said, may cause drivers to need to check their blind spots more often. She said they should allow themselves additional time to get their destination and should consider requesting an earlier license renewal.
PROBLEM: Hearing loss can make it harder to notice a honking horn, a train whistle or emergency sirens.
SOLUTION: Callaghan said purchasing hearing aids or a hearing amplifier would be a good idea, as well as reducing distractions -- cell phones, adjusting audio or climate controls, GPS -- in your vehicle when you drive.
PROBLEM: Physical changes such as arthritis may make it difficult for older people to turn the steering wheel, step on the brake or look over their shoulder to check a blind spot.
SOLUTION: Physical or occupational therapy could help.
PROBLEM: Blood pressure, pain and diabetes medications can all impair reaction times, making it difficult for the elderly to drive well. Antidepressants, Callaghan said, affect clarity of thinking.
SOLUTION: Talk to your family physician and have them review your medications. Callaghan also recommends driving in familiar areas to reduce the risk of getting lost, avoiding driving during busy times of the day and on high traffic streets or interstates. Drive during the day on back roads.
