More than DUI Prepared by Marilyn Rausch Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program 2008

DRIVER SAFETY 1969: Defensive Driving Course designed for drivers 16 and over : “55 ALIVE” program added age- related cognitive and physical changes that affect driving and how to adjust in response. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

YOUNGER DRIVERS Speeding Reckless driving DUI TWD (Text messaging while driving) Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AS WE AGE Failure to yield right-of-way Improper Turning Incorrect lane changes. Problems in situations that require Quick response Full vision Interaction with other drivers Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM THROUGH Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Over 700,000 people complete the program nationwide each year. Approximately 1% of the eligible driving population age 50+ take the program each year. Four out of five graduates say they have changed their driving behavior as a result of taking the course. Insurance savings by people who completed the course was at least $25.00/3-years in insurance discounts that are mandated in some states. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

How do I take the course?  Classroom Course:  8 hours long, presented in 2 4-hour sessions.  Current cost (2008) $10.00 per AARP member.  On-line course:  Taken on your own time.  Current Cost: $15.95 per AARP member.  Current Cost: per AARP non-member. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Course design Understand the effects of aging on driving. Learn driving strategies that take into account the changes we experience as we age Identify the most common crash situations we face and reduce the chances of having a crash Update our knowledge of today’s roads, vehicles, and other road users. Think about how we drive, and identify when driving is no longer safe. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 1: Pre-course quiz. How much do we recall about the rules of driving ? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 2 : Understanding he various physical and mental challenges that take place as our bodies age. Changes in hearing and vision. Slower reaction time. Understanding the limitations to lower the chances of being involved in a crash. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 3: Strategies to avoid crashes Steps to take before getting behind the wheel. Scanning techniques. Three second following distance. Alertness at intersections. Safe Braking. Avoiding head-on crashes. Understanding the dangers of parking lots. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 4: Awareness of other road users. Impaired, distracted and aggressive drivers. Risk of cell phone use while driving. Safe driving around large vehicles such as trucks and buses. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 5: How to handle the unique challenges of city/rural driving. Review of road signs, signals and markings. Tips for entering, driving on, and exiting highway. How to properly change lanes. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 6: Important vehicle safety features Air bags Safety belts. Anti-lock breaks. New technology found in today’s vehicles. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 7: How to judge our own driver fitness. Warning signs of unsafe driving. Knowing when to choose to retire from driving. How to talk about stopping driving. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION Outline of the course Unit 8: Review. Measure what we have learned (post-course quiz). Explore other transportation resources. Identify safe driving actions to take in the future. Additional Information and Resources. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Time for a Quiz! Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

1. Drivers aged 55 and over, compared with drivers aged 30-54, are involved in a) More Accidents per mile b) About the same number of accidents per mile. c) Less accidents per mile. d) It varies each year. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

2. The traffic light ahead is green when you first see it. You should a) Speed up to make the green light before it turns yellow. b) Slow down and wait for the light to turn red. c) Proceed with caution and be prepared to stop. d) Both (a) and (c) are correct. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

3.You want to change lanes. You can see if another vehicle is in your blind spot: a) Only if you check your rear view mirror. b) Only if you check your side view mirror. c) Only if you turn and glance over your shoulder d) Only if you check both mirrors. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

4.The best response to a “Roadwork Ahead” sign is to a) Continue driving at the posted speed limit and look for the roadwork. b) Look for the roadwork. c) Slow down and look for the roadwork. d) Brake and be prepared to stop. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

5.If you take medication before driving, the most important thing for you to do is: a) Have another person ride with you. b) Be sure to eat a light meal. c) Plan on making several rest stops along the way. d) Find out the effects of the medication, and adjust your driving accordingly. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

6.When following a vehicle under good road conditions, the measure to use is a) 1 car length for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. b) 2-second following distance c) 3-second following distance. d) 10 feet for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

7. When backing up, it is usually best to a) Open the left door and look back. b) Steer with one hand, while looking into the rearview mirror. c) Steer with one hand, while looking out the rear window. d) Steer with both hands while looking into the rearview mirror. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

8.Frequent use of mirrors on a car is especially important for those drivers who a) Drive a lot on highways b) Have hearing problems c) Drive a lot at night d) Are driving unfamiliar cars. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

9. What is the Number 1 traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over? a) Speeding b) Following too closely c) Failure to observe right-of-way d) Running a stop sign Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

10. What is the Number 2 traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over? a) Speeding b) Improper left turn c) Tailgating d) Running a stop sign Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

How did you do??? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

1. Drivers aged 55 and over, compared with drivers aged 30-54, are involved in a) More Accidents per mile b) About the same number of accidents per mile. c) Less accidents per mile. d) It varies each year. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

1. Drivers aged 55 and over, compared with drivers aged 30-54, are involved in a) More Accidents per mile b) About the same number of accidents per mile. c) Less accidents per mile. d) It varies each year. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

The NUMBER of miles must be taken into account in order to accurately compare older and younger drivers. The number of accidents per mile rises sharply at about age 75

2. The traffic light ahead is green when you first see it. You should a) Speed up to make the green light before it turns yellow. b) Slow down and wait for the light to turn red. c) Proceed with caution and be prepared to stop. d) Both (a) and (c) are correct. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

2. The traffic light ahead is green when you first see it. You should a) Speed up to make the green light before it turns yellow. b) Slow down and wait for the light to turn red. c) Proceed with caution and be prepared to stop. d) Both (a) and (c) are correct. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

If the light is green when you first approach an intersection, you should never assume that the light will still be green by the time you reach it. So proceed and be prepared to stop.

3.You want to change lanes. You can see if another vehicle is in your blind spot: a) Only if you check your rearview mirror. b) Only if you check your sideview mirror. c) Only if you turn and glance over your shoulder d) Only if you check both mirrors. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

3.You want to change lanes. You can see if another vehicle is in your blind spot: a) Only if you check your rearview mirror. b) Only if you check your sideview mirror. c) Only if you turn and glance over your shoulder d) Only if you check both mirrors. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

No matter how well or how frequently you adjust your mirrors, there is always the chance for another vehicle to be in a “blind spot” on either side of your car where you cannot see them with any mirror. Always turn and glance over your shoulder to double check the mirrors.

4.The best response to a “Roadwork Ahead” sign is to a) Continue driving at the posted speed limit and look for the roadwork. b) Look for the roadwork. c) Slow down and look for the roadwork. d) Brake and be prepared to stop. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

4.The best response to a “Roadwork Ahead” sign is to a) Continue driving at the posted speed limit and look for the roadwork. b) Look for the roadwork. c) Slow down and look for the roadwork. d) Brake and be prepared to stop. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Roadwork almost always involves changes in traffic patterns and “at- work” highway crews. For your safety and theirs, it is best to always slow down and look for the roadwork and any shift or change of traffic pattern.

5.If you take medication before driving, the most important thing for you to do is: a) Have another person ride with you. b) Be sure to eat a light meal. c) Plan on making several rest stops along the way. d) Find out the effects of the medication, and adjust your driving accordingly. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

5.If you take medication before driving, the most important thing for you to do is: a) Have another person ride with you. b) Be sure to eat a light meal. c) Plan on making several rest stops along the way. d) Find out the effects of the medication, and adjust your driving accordingly. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Medications have different effects and different warnings. Medications also interact with each other. Consult with your physician, pharmacist or other qualified medical personnel and follow instructions accordingly with regard to any driving restrictions that must be followed.

6.When following a vehicle under good road conditions, the measure to use is a) 1 car length for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. b) 2-second following distance c) 3-second following distance. d) 10 feet for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

6.When following a vehicle under good road conditions, the measure to use is a) 1 car length for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. b) 2-second following distance c) 3-second following distance. d) 10 feet for every ten miles per hour you are traveling. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

When the vehicle in front of you passes a landmark (like under a bridge) begin counting 1001, 1002, 1003, etc. If you get to the same bridge before you have said 1003, you are going too fast. This rule works at any speed, and is easier than estimating distances in feet or counting imaginary “car lengths” between you and the car ahead of you.

7. When backing up, it is usually best to a) Open the left door and look back. b) Steer with one hand, while looking into the rearview mirror. c) Steer with one hand, while looking out the rear window. d) Steer with both hands while looking into the rearview mirror. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

7. When backing up, it is usually best to a) Open the left door and look back. b) Steer with one hand, while looking into the rearview mirror. c) Steer with one hand, while looking out the rear window. d) Steer with both hands while looking into the rearview mirror. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

If you don’t look out the rear window, you may not be able to see approaching pedestrians or vehicles.

8.Frequent use of mirrors on a car is especially important for those drivers who a) Drive a lot on highways b) Have hearing problems c) Drive a lot at night d) Are driving unfamiliar cars. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

8.Frequent use of mirrors on a car is especially important for those drivers who a) Drive a lot on highways b) Have hearing problems c) Drive a lot at night d) Are driving unfamiliar cars. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Mirrors help compensate for the loss of auditory information coming from various directions (for example, the approach of an emergency vehicle from behind.)

9. What is the Number 1 traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over? a) Speeding b) Following too closely c) Failure to observe right-of-way d) Running a stop sign Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

9. What is the Number 1 traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over? a) Speeding b) Following too closely c) Failure to observe right-of-way d) Running a stop sign Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

The law does not give the right-of-way to anyone; therefore, you can never assume that you have it. The right-of-way is yielded by other drivers to you, or by you to other drivers. When in doubt as to who must yield the right-of-way, it is safest to yield, even if it should have been yielded to you by the other driver. Never assume that because someone else has a yield sign that they will obey it.

10. What is the Number 2 traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over? a) Speeding b) Improper left turn c) Tailgating d) Running a stop sign Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

10. What is the Number 2 traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over? a) Speeding b) Improper left turn c) Tailgating d) Running a stop sign Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Failure to obey left turn signs and signals, improper positioning of the vehicle, and misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles are the most common reasons for this problem.

A DIFFICULT QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT WHEN IS IT TIME TO STOP DRIVING ? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Something no one is comfortable thinking about! Look for the warning signs we will discuss. If present, consider having your driving assessed by a professional. If present, attend a driver refresher class. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Something no one is comfortable thinking about! Consult with your doctor if you are having unusual concentration or memory problems. Also discuss with your doctor if you have physical symptoms that affect your ability to drive safely. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

BEING AWARE OF THE WARNING SIGNS DOES NOT MEAN IT IS TIME TO STOP DRIVING… YET! Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

However… These mark the need to  Explore the options  Start planning Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

1. Feeling uncomfortable and nervous or fearful while driving. 2. Dents and scrapes on the car or on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs, etc. 3. Difficulty staying in the lane of travel. What are the warning signs? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

4. Getting lost. 5. Trouble paying attention to signals, road signs and pavement markings. 6. Slower response to unexpected situations. What are the warning signs? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

7. Medical conditions or medications that may be affecting the ability to handle the car safely. 8. Frequent “close calls” (almost crashing). 9. Trouble judging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance/exit ramps. What are the warning signs? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

10. Other drivers honking at you and instances when you are angry at other drivers. 11. Friends or relatives not wanting to drive with you. 12. Difficulty seeing the sides of the road when looking straight ahead. What are the warning signs? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

13. Easily distracted or having a hard time concentrating while driving. 14. Having a hard time turning around to check over your shoulder while backing up or changing lanes. What are the warning signs? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

15. Frequent tickets or “warnings” by traffic or law enforcement officers in the last year or two. What are the warning signs? Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

One size does not fit all! Stopping driving too soon can cause a person’s overall physical and emotional health to decline prematurely. For some, the only answer may be stopping driving completely. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

OPTIONS Take a classroom refresher course (ex: the AARP Driver Safety Program. Limit driving to certain times of day or only in familiar areas. Contact your local BMV to see if they can evaluate individual driving abilities or offer special licensing alternatives. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

OPTIONS Explore and gradually start using other methods of transportation, such as rides from family and friends public transportation para-transit services taxis, etc. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

It is never too early to plan… None of us wants to think about giving up our freedom, especially when we think about camping! Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

It is never to early to prepare! As the “warning signs” begin to show up, there are things we can consider: Downsize to a more manageable size camping unit if necessary. Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Plan shorter trips to more familiar areas. It is never to early to prepare! As the “warning signs” begin to show up, there are things we can consider: Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Caravan with others when going to new or unfamiliar campgrounds. It is never to early to prepare! As the “warning signs” begin to show up, there are things we can consider: Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Invite family members and/or friends to come with you camping. They can help with the driving. They may decide that FCRV is the place you’ve always known it to be! It is never to early to prepare! As the “warning signs” begin to show up, there are things we can consider: Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

Driving is a privilege Whether large or small, our vehicle can become a lethal weapon for ourselves or someone we may have never met before Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

It is up to each of us to critically evaluate and take measures to live up to that responsibility. Safe Driving is a responsibility Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program