Newswise — Remember that feeling of finally getting your drivers' license? That feeling of freedom and independence is also connected to reaching many of our day-to-day activities. Yet a disability, illness or aging can affect our ability to be a safe driver by impairing our decision-making skills and our ability to control a vehicle. Being a child of an elderly parent also may mean it's time to talk about driving.
The facts: the danger of driving increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a 19 percent increase in older drivers between 1997 and 2007. Motor vehicle crash deaths per capita among males and females begin to increase markedly starting at ages 70-74. Fatal crash rates increase starting at age 75 and increase notably after age 80.
That's why Sinai Hospital offers a driver evaluation and rehabilitation training program that can help maintain a loved one's independence while ensuring safety on the road. The evaluation at Sinai is a two-part process consisting of a pre-driving screening and a behind-the-wheel evaluation.
To learn about the success of the Sinai Driving Program and to speak to the Rehabilitation Driving expert, contact Betsy Haley to set up an interview: [email protected] or 410.601.5529.
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