Driving Today: Rules of the
Road & Technology Updates
Sherrie Waugh, MOT OTR CDRS
Ph. 317.621.3000
Occupational Therapist, Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist
Community Health Network
Who am I?
Occupational Therapist: Skilled health professional that works with people
of all ages to increase/maintain independence in the activities that an
individual wants/needs to do.
Bachelor’s of Health Science from Purdue University
Master’s of Occupational Therapy from University of Indianapolis
Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist: A specialist who plans, develops,
coordinates, and implements driver rehab services for individuals with
disabilities.
In-classroom and on the road training
Driving Statistics
In 2011, there were 35 million licensed drivers age 65 and over according to
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
5,560 people age 65 and older were killed and 214,000 were injured in
traffic crashes in 2012.
In 2012 drivers age 65 and older accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities.
75% of traffic fatalities involving older drivers happened during the day and
64% involved another vehicle.
Fatalities in crashes involving older drivers however declined by 13% from
2003 to 2012.
By 2020 there will be more than 40 million drivers on the road in this age
group.
Driving Today- What has changed?
Roundabouts: Designed to make intersections safer and more efficient
Michigan Lefts: Replaces a left turn with a U-turn and a right turn
Interstate Speed Limits
Rural Interstates: 70 mph
Urban Interstates (population of at least 50,000 people): 55 mph
School Bus Requirements
You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended. If you are driving on a roadway divided by a barrier or
an unimproved median, you are required to stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
Single-Lane Roundabouts
• Proceed in a
counter-clockwise position
• Be prepared to yield to
traffic on the left.
• You do not need to use
a signal when going on
as all traffic must
proceed to the right.
• Upon leaving
roundabout you must
use a signal.
Multi-Lane Roundabouts
• Verify traffic to the left,
they have the right-a-way.
If there is no traffic present,
do not stop; if traffic is
present, yield and
proceed when safe
• Position vehicle in
outermost right hand lane
• Take first exit (completing
Multi-Lane Roundabouts
• Verify traffic to the left,
they have the right-a-way
• Position vehicle in
outermost right hand lane
OR inside lane next to the
center island
• Take the second exit
(completing ½ of the
roundabout)
• Make sure to remain in
your lane
Multi-Lane Roundabouts
• Verify traffic to the left,
they have the right-a-way
• Position vehicle in the
inside lane next to the
center island
• Take the third exit
(completing ¾ of the
roundabout)
• Make sure to remain in
your lane
Multi-Lane Roundabouts
• Verify traffic to the left, they
have the right-a-way
• Position vehicle in the inside
lane next to the circle
• Remain up close to the
center island until you have
done a full circle
• You have the right-a-way
once you are in the circle
and others should yield to
you
• Make sure to remain in your
lane
Michigan Left
Currently only located in North Indy (Allisonville Road & 96
thStreet)
How does it work? Proceed through the traffic signal and ~150 feet after
the light there will be a signal indicating a U-turn. Complete the U-turn and
then complete the right hand turn onto the needed road.
What can change as we age?
Vision Skills
85-95% of the sensory cues in the driving task are visual
Decreased peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, diminished night vision
Increased risk for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and increased difficulty with near vision focus.
Hearing Skills
Guides a driver by providing warning information
Age-related hearing loss most often occurs in both ears
Physical Abilities
Muscular strength decreases ~12-15% between the ages 30-70 Loss of speed of muscle contractions and coordination with age
Decreased flexibility resulting from arthritis resulting in increased difficulty getting in/out of car and turning head/trunk to check environment
What can change as we age?
Cognitive Functioning
Attention: Focused vs Divided vs Selective
Memory: Problems with short-term memory may cause difficulties in retaining information over short periods of time (route choice). May affect the use of new in-vehicle technologies
Skill Acquisition: Becomes slower making it more difficult to alter familiar ways of performing a certain task
Information Processing: Requires more time to respond to unexpected events
Decision Making/Reasoning: Due to decreased processing speed; these skills can be slower to respond
Driving Technology
Driver Assistance & Safety Systems
Push-button start: Easier for people with injuries, disabilities, and arthritis
Blind-spot detection: Helps people with reduced mobility and vision increase awareness of surrounding traffic
Rear-view cameras: Assists with safe backing
Lane-departure alert: Uses a camera to analyze roadway markings and provide a warning to alert a driver who has moved out of the lane
Automatic braking: Avoids crashes, including when parking
Automated parking: Finds and backs into spaces or parallel parks without driver steering
Adaptive cruise control systems : Maintains vehicle speed and following distance in traffic
Navigation systems: Assists with finding a route towards a destination by provided turn-by-turn directions or showing a route on a map display
What is my role?
As a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS):
Determine if a person meets state requirements
Understand the occupation of driving for each person Provide in-clinic evaluation of performance skills for driving Provide an on the road evaluation
Who can/may benefit from a driving
evaluation?
Anyone can benefit! It can help keep you at the top of your game.
If you feel your driving continues to be fine: A second opinion may verify
your confidence
If you are “feeling your age”: Identifying how slower reaction time or
physical changes may affect safe driving and learn new strategies or tips to
keep your driving safe.
If you have one or more medical conditions: Chronic or acute diseases
(including stroke, diabetes, arthritis, dementia) can impact safety.
If you have been told that you should stop driving: But you don’t agree.
You can participate in the comprehensive driving evaluation to obtain a
complete picture of your driving skills and potential for improvement.
If you have recently been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease:
In the early stages you may be appropriate to continue safe driving or
Physical Therapy and Rehab,
Neuro Specialty Program
Community Physical Therapy and Rehab
Community Health Pavilion Ft. Ben Neuro Specialty Program
8501 East 56th Street, Suite 140
Indianapolis, IN 46216
For more information or to make a referral, please call 317.621.3000
http://www.ecommunity.com/s/physical-therapy-and-rehab/driving-evaluations/
Additional Resources
www.SeniorDriving.AAA.com
Evaluate your driving ability
Understanding mind & body changes Improve your driving skills
Maintain mobility and independence
http://www.aarp.org/home-family/getting-around/driving-resource-center/driver-resources/
AARP Smart Driver course offered through Touchpoint
http://www.thehartford.com/mature-market-excellence/
Exercise for Drivers Dementia & Driving Driving Evaluations Driving Wellness
