University's Research Aims to Benefit Senior Drivers

01/13/2010

While many auto insurance companies offer discounts to senior citizens, this can rapidly change if they become more prone to accidents and other mishaps while on the road.

With that in mind, researchers at the University of California at San Diego are studying new methods that could help older drivers stay on the road longer, while improving overall safety.

In a recent announcement, the university cited a $200,000 federal grant it had received that will expand the "Road-Safe Senior" project, which helps diagnose seniors for medical issues that could affect their ability to drive safely. The effort was said to confirm that early dementia is often undiagnosed in routine care, and that one in five of the participating drivers had health issues that could affect their driving.

"Using the AMA's screening standards for adult drivers over age 65, we will teach health care personnel how to screen and diagnose, and how to refer patients or report problems," said Dr. Linda Hill, a professor of family and preventive medicine at the university.

A number of states have been wrestling with issues involving senior drivers such as the possibility of mandating road tests after a certain age, although the debate often tends to be controversial.

ShareThis