December 4th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Maryland and West Virginia both recognize this week as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, encouraging older drivers to access resources to help them continue driving safely. Pam Fischer of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program said age brings changes drivers should take note of that could make them vulnerable…

   

“Mobility is so important to stay engaged and active. But we know that there are physical and cognitive changes that come with aging that’s also coupled with medical conditions and increased medication use that will put older road users at particular risk.”

Fischer said aging could result in reduction of strength, coordination and flexibility, which can affect driving ability…

   

“Vision problems that include things like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, difficulty seeing things clearly at night. Hearing loss and hearing is important to being able to drive a vehicle safely. Muscle fatigue, joint problems, lack of mobility.”