California Driver Handbook - Health and Safety
Safety for the Aging Driver
The department has published a handbook specifically for senior drivers. Please go online at www.dmv.ca.gov to view or download a copy of the Senior Guide for Safe Driving (DL625), or call 1-800-777-0133 to request a copy to be mailed or contact the Senior Driver Ombudsman Program in your area:
Sacramento/Northern California
(916) 657-6464
San Francisco/Oakland
(510) 563-8998
Orange/San Bernardino/San Diego
(949) 553-3573
Los Angeles/Oxnard
(310) 412-6103
Good Vision for All Drivers
You need good vision to drive safely. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot judge distances or spot trouble, and you will not be able to make the best judgments. You also need to see peripherally or "out of the corner of your eye" to spot cars coming up beside you while your eyes are on the road ahead.
You may see clearly and still not be able to judge distances. You need good distance judgment so you know how far you are from other cars. Many people who may see clearly in the daytime have trouble seeing clearly at night. Some people see poorly in dim light. Others may have trouble with the glare of headlights.
Have your eyes checked every year or two. You may never know about poor peripheral vision or poor distance judgment, unless you have your eyes checked by a healthcare professional.
Hearing
Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. The sound of horns, a siren, or screeching tires can warn you of danger. Sometimes you can hear a vehicle but cannot see it, especially if it is in your blind spots.
Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio or CD player is blaring. Do not wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving; it is against the law.
Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly that you do not notice them. Have your hearing checked periodically. Drivers that are deaf or hearing-impaired can adjust their driver safety habits by relying more on their seeing sense and therefore, compensate for the loss of hearing.
Alertness
When you are tired, you are less alert. The body naturally wants to sleep at night. Most drivers are less alert at night, especially after midnight. You may not see hazards as soon or react as quickly as when you are rested and alert; so, your chances of having a crash may be greater. If you are sleepy, the only safe response is to get off the road and get some sleep.
To keep from becoming tired on a long trip:
- Get a normal night’s sleep before you start on your trip.
- Do not take any drugs that can make you drowsy.
- Do not drive long hours; try not to drive late at night.
- Take regular rest stops even if you are not tired.
- Keep shifting your eyes from one part of the road to another. Look at objects near and far, left and right.
- Try chewing gum or singing along with the radio/CD.
- Roll your window down to get some fresh air.
If you are tired all the time and fall asleep often during the day, ask your physician to check for a sleep disorder.
Medications
Remember that all medications, prescription or over-the-counter, are potentially dangerous and can impair your driving. Over-the-counter medicines that you take for colds and allergies can make you drowsy and affect your driving ability. If you must take medication before driving, find out the effects of the medication from your physician or pharmacist. It is your responsibility to know the effects of the medications you take.
Before you decide to drive, do not:
- Mix medications, unless directed by your physician.
- Take medications prescribed for someone else.
- Mix alcohol with your medications(prescribed or over-the-counter).
Hot Weather Risks
As stated in the “Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles” section, it is against the law to leave unattended minor children in a vehicle. Additionally, and equally important, it is dangerous and deadly to leave children and/ or animals in a hot vehicle. After sitting in the sun, with even a slightly opened window, the temperature can rise rapidly inside a parked vehicle. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise approximately 40-50 degrees higher than the outside temperature.
Dehydration, heat stroke, and death can result from overexposure to the heat. Remember if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for children and pets.
Health And Emotions
Your personality affects the way you drive. Do not let your emotions interfere with safe driving. Use all of your good judgment, common sense, and courtesy when you drive. Follow all the recommended safe driving rules.
Discuss health concerns such as poor vision, heart problems, diabetes, or epilepsy with your physician and follow his or her advice. Notify the DMV if you have a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely.
Conditions Physicians Must Report
Physicians and surgeons are required to report patients at least 14 years of age and older who are diagnosed as having lapses of consciousness, Alzheimer’s disease, or related disorders (California Health & Safety Code §103900).
Although not required by law, your physician may report to the DMV any other medical condition that he or she believes may affect your ability to drive safely.
