The first recorded traffic collision in the US occurred in May 1896 when Henry Wells, driving a Duryea motor wagon, struck and injured a cyclist. The cyclist wound up with a broken leg and Mr. Wells spent the night in jail. Things have changed since that time. In 2008, 716 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes and 52,000 were injured. Florida, the fourth largest state, led the nation with 125 bicycle deaths followed by California with 109.

Cycling has become a popular form of exercise and cyclists are appearing more and more on America's roads. More and more, cities are trying to make their roads friendlier to cyclists by creating cycling lanes but, for the great majority of roads, cyclists must share the same lanes with other traffic. All states have laws giving cyclists a right to use the road and requiring them to follow all the same laws and regulations that apply to motorists. Unfortunately, in many regions of the US where cycling is growing in popularity, tensions are growing between cyclists and motorists. When it comes to sharing the road, both motorists and cyclists need to understand the rules and exercise a little common sense.

Right-of-way

When it comes to who has the right-of-way, both cyclists and motorists need to understand that no one can take the right-of-way; they can only give it up to someone else. Courtesy on the road- even when it isn't returned - is critical to preventing conflicts and saving lives.

Motorists

• Motorists need to understand that cyclists have a right to the road and need to be alert to their presence. To avoid conflicts with cyclists, there are a few things that motorists need to know and understand.


• Cycles, whether motorized or not, have a small profile and can be difficult to see. Most of us expect to see cars but we don’t tend to look for or anticipate that there might be a cyclist in the area.


• Speed is a major contributor to collisions between motorists and cyclists. Speeding doesn't give you time to react if you encounter a cyclist around a curve or over a hill.


• Anticipate that there might be one or more cyclists over the next hill or around the next curve.


• Before making a right hand turn at an intersection, check for cyclists coming up in your right side blind spot.


• Before entering an intersection after a stop, check for cyclists approaching from the left. Look left, right, then, left again, before pulling out into the intersection.


• Be especially watchful for cyclists when making turns, either left or right.


• Allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road.


• Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.


• Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
  
• Cyclists can stop much faster than a car; allow a greater following distance behind cyclists.


• When it appears that you will meet an oncoming vehicle and a cyclist at the same time, slow to let the other vehicle pass before attempting to pass the cyclist.
  Do not drive in a bicycle lane unless you are turning across it.

When the lane is too narrow to pass a cyclist safely, wait until the next lane is clear and give the bicycle all the rights of any other slow moving vehicle.

• Be especially careful around children riding bicycles.


• When encountering debris, potholes, or other obstructions, cyclists may need to "command the lane", meaning, they will need to move over into the center or left hand portion of the lane. Exercise patience and wait for a safe opportunity to pass.


• When roads are wet, they can be very slippery for a cyclist. Allow them extra room.

Cyclists

• All cyclists should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets whenever they ride. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash.


• Always ride on the right hand side of the road with traffic.


• Cyclists are subject to the same rules of the road as any other vehicle operator. Obey all lane markings, signs, and signals.


• Cyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn, and dusk.


• When riding at night, increase your visibility by using a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.


• Be courteous to motorists, even if the courtesy isn't returned. It can help keep you alive.

Although you have a right to the road, if there is a conflict with a motorist, it is better to pull over and stop than to risk a collision.

• Don't try to force the issue of your "right to the road" by commanding the lane to slow down traffic. Pull to the right and allow traffic to pass whenever practicable.


• If you encounter an angry motorist, don't add fuel to the fire by making gestures or responding in any negative way. Your actions could push a motorist over that psychological edge into a "road rage" situation. Concentrate on your own safety.

Labels: bicycle safety, blind spot, driver safey, helmet, motorist safety, right-of-way

For drivers, the most dangerous period of the year is approaching. Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled holiday period of the year with almost 90% of those traveling doing so by car and, if previous year statistics hold true, this Thanksgiving weekend will also be the deadliest holiday period of the year.

This year, the official 102 hour Thanksgiving holiday period will start at 6:00 pm on Wednesday the 25th and run through midnight on Sunday the 29th. During the same period in 2008, nationwide, 389 occupants of passenger vehicles were killed in car crashes; thousands more were injured. To lessen your chances of becoming one of the statistic this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Seat Belts

Of the fatalities during the 2008 Thanksgiving weekend;

• More than two-thirds (67%) of the total fatalities did not have their seat belts fastened.


• 40 percent of the fatalities in daytime crashes were not wearing seat belts.

Most of the 2008 highway deaths and serious injuries could have been easily prevented by the simple act of wearing a seat belt. Many states have strengthened their seat belt laws over the past year and 31 states now have primary seat belt enforcement laws; meaning that the police can stop and cite you for not wearing a seat belt without having to witness any other traffic infractions. As in years past, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is sponsoring a nationwide "Click-It-Or Ticket" campaign. State highway patrol and local police departments throughout the nation will be on the alert for vehicle occupants who aren’t wearing seat belts and they will be giving out tickets. Keep yourself safe and ticket free by wearing a seat belt.

Speed

Speeding is the major reason for traffic crashes. Higher speeds reduce the time you have to react to an emergency situation and increase the crash forces in a collision. Along with looking for seat belt violators, the police will also be looking out for speeders. If you are doing as little as 5 mph over the speed limit, you run the risk of earning a speeding ticket.

Wednesday

Most of the travelers who are going long distances will be leaving after work on Wednesday evening. They will find that the normal rush hour delays will extend throughout the evening and far out into rural areas where traffic is normally light.

• Tired drivers who have worked all day and are now facing the frustration of being stuck in slow traffic for such a long distance may be tempted to take chances they might not otherwise take.


• Sleepy drivers may nod off at the wheel and are just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Sunday

Most drivers will wait until Sunday afternoon to return home where they will face many of the same driving conditions that they faced on Wednesday evening. Unlike Wednesday evening, they will face additional dangers due to:

• Drivers who waited until the end of football games before hitting the road and didn't give themselves enough time.


• Drivers who are drowsy after eating big meals of left-over turkey (Turkey contains Tryptophan, which is used as an ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids.)


• Drivers who have consumed alcohol while engaging in the above.

Take these actions to remain safe on the road:

• If you can arrange your work schedule, try to leave on Tuesday and return either on Saturday or Monday when traffic is lighter and safer.
  
• Give yourself plenty of time.
  
• Get enough rest and don't try to drive when you would normally be asleep.
  
• Swap driving duties with a companion
  
• To remain alert, stop every 2 hours or 100 miles.
  
• Don't depend on caffeine or "energy drinks" to take the place of sleep. When they wear off, you will fall asleep.
  
• Understand that traffic will be heavy and don't let your frustrations tempt you to take chances.
  
• Check for weather conditions along your route and leave earlier if necessary.
  
• Wear your seat belt!!! Seat belts are proven to save lives and prevent injuries.
  
• Make sure children are secured in an approved child safety seat.
  
• Children over 4 years of age are taken out of child seats too soon; their bodies are too small for seat belts to work effectively. Be sure any child under 4'9" in height is secured in a booster seat.
  
• Don't give into the temptation to speed. It won't get you there that much faster and it can lead to a ticket or worse, a collision.
  
• Use your cruise control to prevent speeding.
  
• Understand that driving is a complex task and it takes all your concentration.
  
• Eat light to prevent drowsiness.
  
• If you need to make a phone call, pull off the road and keep your call short.
  
• Don't answer your cell phone while driving. Let your cell phone take a message and pull off the road to answer your calls.
  
• Don't text and drive!!! Taking your eyes off the road for just a second or two can have tragic consequences.
  
• Don't consume alcohol!! Buzzed driving is the same as drunk driving.
  

Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Labels: driver safety, holiday driving, seat belt safety, thanksgiving traffic safety, traffic crashes

The cool, crisp, colorful days of autumn will soon give way to the bitter cold, dark days of winter and that means it is time to prepare your car for winter weather. With the exception of Hawaii, no matter where you live in the nation, you can be subjected to freezing weather (Miami has seen snow flurries). Those who live where snow and ice are common know to prepare but those who live in the Sunbelt should take time to prepare too. Here are some tips for getting your car ready to face the cold weather ahead.

Under the hood

It is probably best to have a trusted mechanic change your oil and winterize your engine but, if you are handy with tools, you can do these checks yourself. Make sure you check the owner's manual for the recommended fluids and parts.

Checking the engine

• Belts - Check the belts for wear and flexibility. In extreme cold your belts can become brittle and break so now is the best time to change out those old worn belts.
  
• Wiring – Check and replace any wires that may be worn or show exposed wires.
  
• Plugs – If it has been a while, you should replace the spark plugs.
  
• Coolant – Have your mechanic check the radiator for the proper mix of water and coolant. If you are doing the checks yourself, you can purchase a low cost coolant tester at an auto parts store. If the fluid needs to be replaced, make sure you use the proper type of fluid for your engine. Coolants are manufactured with corrosion inhibitors made specifically for the engine's materials (aluminum, steel, etc.).
  
• Oil – Have your oil changed. Your vehicle manufacturer may recommend a different engine oil weight for cold weather conditions.
  
• Washer fluid – Fill your washer fluid reservoir with anti-freeze washer fluid. Keep extra fluid on hand because you will need it often as dirty slush, cinders, and salt are sprayed over your windshield when following other vehicles.
  
• Battery – Clean the battery and wire terminals. Ensure your battery electrolyte is topped off with distilled water. If you are doing the work yourself, make sure you wear gloves and take great care when dealing with caustic battery acids.
  

Tires

• Snow Tires – Snow tires are specifically made for driving in snow. The rubber is softer to be less brittle and the tread is designed for a better grip in snow and ice. If you live in the northern part of the nation where snow and ice are a constant, you should swap out your normal tires with snow tires.
  
• All Weather Tires - If you live in the Sunbelt or the lower half of the nation, you can probably get by with all weather tires but remember that all weather means hot roads or rain, not snow. The rubber is harder and will be more brittle in freezing conditions and they aren’t as effective at gripping the surface in snow or ice.
  
• Chains – If you live in that portion of the nation that only gets one or two snow falls a year, you will probably want to consider purchasing a set of tire chains and keep them available in the trunk. Practice installing them before the weather turns bad.
  

Windows

• Defroster – Check your defroster now before it is too late. If it doesn’t work, get it repaired. Defrosters are an important tool in the winter.
  
• Wiper blades – Swap out your blades with heavier snow blades.
  
• Ice scraper – Keep a good, strong, ice scraper handy. Credit cards aren’t very effective on icy windows.
  
• Snow brush – A combination snow brush/ice scraper is a better tool to keep where snow is common.
  

Block heaters – If you live in the frozen north, you may want to consider getting an electric engine block heater to keep your engine warm through the night.

Emergency kits

• Lock defroster – Lock deicing fluid can be purchased in cans small enough to keep in your coat pocket. Remember to keep it in your coat pocket or in the house, not in the car.
  
• Sand/kitty litter – Keep a bag of sand or kitty litter in the trunk. You can use it to help your tires grip if you are stuck in ice or snow. It also provides a little extra weight in the rear of the car to help give you traction.
  
• Belts – Keep a replacement fan belt in your trunk just in case.
  
• Blankets – If you live where it snows often and deep, you could find yourself stuck on the road. Keep some blankets handy just in case.
  
• Food – Keep some energy bars, in case you get stuck in the snow. You will need calories to help you keep warm.
  
• Snow shovel – If there is room in your trunk, keep a small snow shovel to dig out of snow covered parking lots.
  

If you are stuck in the snow

If the roads close due to blizzard conditions, you may find yourself stuck on the highway. When traveling in the winter, you should always try to keep the gas tank full just in case. Always let someone know where you are going, your route, and when you plan to arrive.

If you are on a heavily traveled highway, the authorities will probably already be working to open the road or, if they can't, to evacuate motorists. If you are in the country and find yourself stuck and alone, call 911 for help.

While waiting, don't keep the engine running; you could quickly run out of gas. Break out your emergency blankets and only run the engine long enough to heat the car. When running the engine, beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear and crack a window on the downwind side to prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating in the passenger compartment. Eat your energy bars to provide warming calories.

Labels: driver safety, emergency, winter driving, winter weather

Labels: alert drivers, driver safety, drowsy driving, sleep

Several instances have been reported over the past few years of Toyota and Lexus vehicles experiencing uncontrollable runaway engines resulting in speeds of more than 100 mph. One instance resulted in the death of a California family when their Lexus reached speeds of more than 120 mph before crashing. In another case, a man and his wife plunged over an ocean side cliff, resulting in the death of the wife.

On September 29th, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a Consumer Safety Bulletin warning of potential problems with a series of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Following reports of runaway engines in these vehicles, Toyota determined that the floor mat could possibly jam the accelerator pedal causing a runaway acceleration. Toyota issued a letter on November 2, 2009, stating that an exhaustive review had been conducted and advised all owners of the affected vehicles to remove the driver side floor mats and not replace them until a remedy can be developed.

News stories by ABC and other news organizations are calling the Toyota claim of misplaced floor mats into question. Some experts believe that there may be a flaw in the engine computer program causing the runaway acceleration. Toyota and the NHTSA deny that this is the case. The experts go further to say that the computerized system lacks a fail-safe mechanism that allows for an emergency shut-down of the vehicle.

This article is not intended to determine who is right in this debate, but rather to provide information to Toyota and Lexus owners on what steps they should take if they experience a runaway engine.

The following models are affected:

2007 - 2010 Camry

2005 - 2010 Avalon

2004 - 2009 Prius

2005 - 2010 Tacoma

2007 - 2010 Tundra

2007 - 2010 ES350

2006 - 2010 IS250 and IS350

Owners should first follow the advice of Toyota and remove the floor mats.

Drivers may panic if confronted with this situation so every owner of a Toyota should read the emergency procedures and go over the procedures in their mind whenever they start the car.

Brakes May be Ineffective - If those who contend the problem goes deeper than floor mats are correct, applying the brakes in this situation may not be effective. In most modern vehicles, power assisted brakes operate by drawing a vacuum supplied by the engine. If the throttle sticks in the full open position, the vacuum will be lost and the power assisted brakes will fail after one or two pumps of the brake pedal. Even if the brakes are working properly, it would be difficult for them to stop a runaway vehicle traveling more than 100 mph.

If confronted by a runaway engine, drivers should:

Steer and look for an emergency escape route – Try to maintain control of the vehicle and look for a way to escape. At all times, look at where you want to steer the vehicle and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Drivers should predict what they will do at all times and keep an emergency exit plan in mind. If the road ahead is clear, remaining on the pavement may be the safest option. If there is traffic ahead and you have to consider driving off the road, look for soft soil or bushes that will assist in slowing the vehicle. Driving against a curb can also help slow the vehicle. In extreme situations, steer to make a glancing side blow rather than a head-on collision with another object.

Apply both the Emergency/Parking brake and the standard brakes - The emergency brake is a mechanical system that depends on cables and levers rather than hydraulic (brake fluid) pressure to apply the brakes. If confronted with a runaway engine, owners should apply the brakes and, at the same time, immediately apply the emergency brake. Owners should review their vehicle owner’s manual for proper operation of the emergency brake. In some cases, brake cables and connections can become corroded and weaken if the emergency braking system is not frequently applied. You should have your emergency brakes checked for proper operation and use them on a regular basis to keep them in good working order.

Shift to Neutral - If unable to shift to neutral, turn the key to the Off or ACC position.

Turn the engine to the Off or Accessories (ACC) position - Most Toyotas are programmed to prevent accidental shut off of the engine while the vehicle is in motion.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a standard key type ignition, turn the key mid-way to the off/accessories position.


• If your vehicle is equipped with a power button, you must press and hold the button for more than 3 seconds before the engine will shut off. Do not push repeatedly on the button; it must be pressed firmly for more than 3 seconds. In vehicles with an electronic transmission system (such as the Prius), once the engine shuts off the transmission will shift to neutral and the control will shift to ACC.

DO NOT TURN THE KEY ALL THE WAY TO THE OFF POSITION OR REMOVE THE KEY! Turning the key all the way to the off position or removing it will lock the steering wheel.

Exit the vehicle - Once you bring the car to a complete stop, all vehicle occupants should immediately exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from the vehicle. The hot brakes could cause a vehicle fire.

For more information on the Toyota recall, monitor the following web sites:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.f2217bee37fb302f6d7c121046108a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_1e51531b2220b0f8ea14201046108a0c_viewID=detail_view&itemID=279f2449f4604210VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&pressReleaseYearSelect=2009

Toyota.com: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

Labels: driver safey, emergency brake, runaway acceleration, runaway engine

Its that time of the year again. Time to fall back and set the clocks to Standard time. The change can cause disruptions while our mind and body adapt to the new time and that disruption can extend to our driving.

Changing back from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time occurs on the first Sunday in November and that falls on November 1st this year. The time change officially happens at 2:00 AM on Sunday November 1st. Falling back means setting the clock back one hour; at 2:00 AM set your clocks back to 1:00 AM. The great thing about falling back is that we all get an extra hour of sleep on Saturday night. Those who don't get the word will probably arrive at church an hour early and wonder where everyone is or why that football game hasn't started yet.

The time change is always somewhat confusing because it takes our minds a few days to adapt to the new change. Those of you who are used to waking up and beginning your morning commute in the dark will be waking up to the sunrise. Those who enjoy the extra sunlight after work will be getting home in the dark.

The time change in the fall isn't as disruptive as the spring time change. In spring we lose an hour of sleep and sleep experts say that losing even one hour of sleep can have an impact on our driving; driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. However, even though we aren't going to lose any sleep, our driving can still be affected because of the time it takes our internal clock to adjust to the change.

Our internal biological clock or circadian rhythm, regulates our wake sleep cycle. It was easy before clocks were invented; we woke up at dawn and we went to sleep when it got dark. Sleep experts also say it is natural for us to become sleepy in the late afternoon. In the modern world, our days are regulated by the clock and that mechanical clock can sometimes come into conflict with our biological clock. Some sleep experts suggest that we follow the example of Meditteranean cultures and allow employees to nap in the afternoon in order to gain maximum performance. When we force ourselves to remain awake through that natural afternoon drowsy time, it can lead to drowsiness behind the wheel on the long commute home. One survey of drivers found that more than one-third (35%) of drivers who nodded off while driving within the previous six months say their last experience occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. An additional 17% report they nodded off between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

A newly released study using mice (that also has implications for humans) found that when circadian rhythm cycles were disrupted, the mice didn't perform as well in maze tests as the control group whose circadian patterns weren't disrupted. They also exhibited impulsive behavior which, for human drivers, can mean trying to beat that light or pulling out in front of another car. When darkness suddenly falls an hour earlier, drivers may find themselves driving a little faster; trying to get home before daylight fades.

Another problem occurs because light conditions at dusk - before total darkness - can be confusing. Shapes that show up clearly in daylight or in a car's headlights may not show up as clearly at dusk. A study conducted in 1995 found that the number of auto/pedestrian crashes increased substantially in the period following the time change back to standard time. Kids are still walking home from practice or trying to get in a little extra playing time with their neighborhood pals before total darkness. A University of California trauma center found a "62 percent increase in the number of children in auto-vs-pedestrian crashes and auto-vs.-bicycle crashes in the two weeks following the October time change. Of these victims, 90 percent had severe injuries and required surgery."

Until their body clock adjusts to the new time, drivers should be especially cautious during the first few weeks after the time change. Get plenty of sleep, don't give in to the impulse to rush home to beat the sunset, and be especially watchful for pedestrians.

Drowsy driving prevention week is Nov. 2 – 8. For more information on sleep and sleep disorders, visit the National Sleep Foundation’s web site at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/

Labels: driver safety, drowsy driving

As baby boomers reach retirement age, their medicine cabinets seem to become more and more crowded with all the medications needed to fight off the infirmities of old age. Blood pressure, heart problems, aches, and pains increase with every passing year and so do the visits to the doctor. Unfortunately, the AARP generation apparently isn't being warned about the effects that these medications may have on their ability to drive safely.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety sponsored a study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham to assess the knowledge of older drivers regarding their medication use and the medication's effects on their driving. The study surveyed 630 Alabama adults aged 55 and over. Data from previous studies that served as a basis for this research showed that:

Senior citizens are safe drivers with one of the lowest collision rates among all age groups;

Older drivers have the highest collision rate per mile traveled because they tend to drive fewer miles and remain close to home.

Due to chronic medical conditions, older adults are often forced to take multiple medications that can potentially impact their ability to drive.

A recent survey found that medication use increases with age with 44% of men and 57% of woman aged 65 and older using five or more medications weekly.

The rate of older adults using multiple medications has increased from 54% in 1998 to 67% in 2003.

Research has reported that increased number of medical conditions is associated with increased risk of motor vehicle crashes among older adults.

The AAA study revealed that:

"The majority of those surveyed (92%) said driving was their preferred mode of transportation and 60% said they drove six or seven days per week.

95% of respondents reported having had one or more medical condition and respondents 75 and older reported the most medical conditions as well as taking the greatest number of potentially driver impairing medications.

78% of respondents reported using one or more medications, but only 28% acknowledged some awareness of the potential impact of these medications on driving performance.

19% of respondents reported using five or more medications and 12.1% reported taking five or more prescription medications.

Only 18% had received warnings about potentially driver impairing medications - include ACE inhibitors, sedatives, and beta blockers - from a healthcare professional.

• However, 69% currently use one or more prescription potentially driver impairing medication and 10% said they currently use five or more potentially driver-impairing medications.
  
  
• Of those using five or more potentially driver impairing medications, just 22% said they had some awareness of the potential impact on driving and only 19 percent received a warning from healthcare professional."
  

Older drivers and those with less education appeared to have the least awareness of the risks.

These findings are disturbing because it shows that health care professionals aren't taking the time to warn of the potential risks involved in these medications and those taking the medications aren't asking those critical questions. Many people don't realize that commonly prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can affect their ability to drive safely. Some may feel that these medications wouldn't be prescribed or deemed safe for sale over-the-counter if they posed any dangers however, under some conditions, a driver can be arrested for DUI when driving under the influence of these medications.

The study specifically addressed commonly prescribed medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and sedatives.

Beta Blockers are commonly prescribed to reduce blood pressure or to control abnormal heart rhythm. Some possible side effects of these medications can include:

• headache


• depression


• confusion


• dizziness


• hallucinations

ACE inhibitors are used to control blood pressure, prevent strokes and prevent kidney damage in those patients suffering from hypertension or diabetes. Possible side effects of these drugs include:

• low blood pressure


• dizziness


• drowsiness


• weakness

As people age they often encounter sleep problems and are sometimes prescribed sedatives. Sedatives obviously can affect driving and users should see how they react to the drug before driving. There have been reports of users of Ambien, a prescription sleep aid, walking, driving, and making midnight phone calls with no memory of the event the next day.

Common over-the-counter allergy and cold relief medications such as Benedryl cause drowsiness and can have as great an impact on your driving as alcohol.

Often, older people are prescribed different drugs from different doctors with no knowledge of how those medications may react with the other medications they are taking. Older drivers should inform their doctors of all the drugs they are taking and ask how those drugs may interact with others and what effect the medications may have on their driving. Concerned family members should get involved and help older relatives compile a list of their medications and ask about the side effects.

Pharmacists are also an excellent resource and sometimes may have an even better understanding of the medication's side effects than the physician. Pharmacists can keep a list of the medications you are taking and can warn of possible drug interactions and side effects.

It is always best to check with your physician or pharmacist but there are also on-line resources that can be of help. One of the best is http://www.drugs.com/. This free web site allows you to enter all your medications and lists side effects and possible interactions with other drugs you are taking that may affect your driving. You can also request to be notified by email of any Food and Drug Administration alerts on your medications.

Almost all of the common medications that older people take have warnings about consuming alcohol while taking the medication. Mixing alcohol and medications can have a increased impact on driving abilities and can cause a drug interaction that could be fatal.

Labels: driver safety, older drivers, over-the-counter medications, senior citizens, senior drivers, vehicle accidents

View Full Post posted by NSC - Traffic Safety : 9:59 AM

| More

 0 comments