Drivers’ Education September 23, 2013

Physical Condition of the Driver  Good Vision: a necessary quality for all drivers because driving relies on seeing far ahead and making adjustments.  Vision consists of four components: Visual Acuity, Field of vision, Depth perception,  And Color vision.  Visual Acuity: is the ability to see both near and far. 20/20 vision is the normal range. You need at least 20/50 for a normal license and 20/40 for a CDL.

Topic and Objective  Today’s topic is  What you should learn from this class:

Vision  Field of Vision: consists of central vision and peripheral vision.  Central vision is the area directly in front of you, where everything is focused and clear. It makes up only 3 degrees of your field of vision.  Peripheral vision is the unfocused area on either side of the Central vision which makes up the additional 177 degrees of the field of vision.  Peripheral vision diminishes as speed increases

Vision  Depth perception: is the ability to judge the distance between two objects. We have binocular vision that combines the images from both eyes into a single, three dimensional image.  Used to judge following and stopping distance, to name a few. More difficult to judge depth while moving.

Vision  People with impaired depth perception should increase following distances and drive slower than someone whose depth perception is not impaired.  Color vision: ability to distinguish between different colors. Color blindness is the inability to distinguish between some colors. Most common is red/green. Because color is used extensively in signs and signals, color blind drivers must memorize shapes and location of the signs/signals.

Age  Because reaction reflexes, vision and hearing diminish with age, older drivers are sometimes poorer drivers. However, their experience makes older drivers better at detecting hazards.  In order to avoid dangerous situations, Elderly drivers should reduce speed and avoid highly congested streets and highways, or other situations that require quick reflexes.

Coordination  Coordination is the working together of nervous and muscular systems. How well you coordinate, or work the two together is the measure of good coordination.  If you have bad coordination, you can compensate by staying more focused and attentive. Increase space cushion and following distance.

Hearing  Hearing is used by drivers to detect sounds of potential hazards. Sound is an important element to safe driving. Hearing impaired individuals can drive with the help of hearing aids.

Size and Height  If you are at the extremes of most physical characteristics, you may have trouble driving, due to the inability to comfortably operate a vehicle.

Chronic Illness and Fatigue  Some illnesses like asthma, heart disease, and epilepsy may restrict a person’s ability to drive safely. But new medications allow for individuals to better control symptoms.  Physically disabled individuals use special equipment to be able to drive, safely.

Fatigue and Lack of Sleep  Fatigue effects reaction time and decision making abilities. Fatigued drivers are more likely to be in an accident. Can be caused by long trips, boredom, eyestrain, poor ventilation, or overeating/drinking.  Teen drivers account for almost half of all fatigued driving collisions.

Fatigue and Lack of Sleep  If you are fatigued: pull over safely somewhere you can get out of the car, walk around, splash cold water on your face, etc.  Eat something light, but avoid a heavy meal or beverages high in sugar or caffeine.  If you stop to take a nap, make sure it is a safe, well lit area. Take precautions, like cracking the window and locking the doors.

Illness and injury.  Avoid driving when you are sick. Symptoms (and medication for them) can cause slow reactions and periods of inattention.  Additionally, sneezing and coughing could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.  Injury like broken limbs or extremities can impair safe driving when mobility and strength. Before driving with an injury, evaluate your ability operate safely.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  Car exhaust contains carbon monoxide. A silent killer, carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. It can seep into the passenger compartment without warning.  Can be caused by damage to the exhaust system, driving in areas without ventilation, driving an SUV or wagon with the back window open, Smoking with the windows closed.