2.4: LONG TERM PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT AFFECT DRIVING ABILITY
How Does Hearing Loss Affect Driving Ability?
Your sense of hearing is an important guide to conditions on the roadway and within your car. You may hear the sound of a vehicle in our blind spot before you actually see the vehicle. The sound of a siren, horn, or train signal warns you of possible danger. Sounds from your own car may alert you to engine or tire trouble.
How Can Challenges Caused by Physical Disabilities Be Met?
Depending upon the person’s physical disabilities, new types of equipment such as joystick driving systems, voice activated controls, and modified vehicles can greatly increase their driving potential. Anyone with a physical disability who wants to drive a car and able to show the appropriate skill level and drive safely can get a license. However, such individuals are required to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment that determines their potential to drive.
Aging
As a young person your reaction time is likely to be faster and your sense of sight keener than that of an older person. However, older people can call on their driving experience to help them reduce risk and anticipate threatening conditions.
Chronic Illnesses
A chronic illness is one that lasts over a long period of time or one that recurs often. Illnesses such as epilepsy, arthritis, diabetes, and asthma can be treated and controlled by medication. To obtain a driver’s license people with chronic illnesses furnish proof that the illnesses are under control and that the medication they’re taking won’t cause side effects that impair driving ability.