Visual processing impairment and risk of motor vehicle crash among older adults

Article Abstract:

Older drivers with decreased visual processing abilities may be more likely to become involved in a motor vehicle crash. The useful field of view test measures the ability to rapidly process and discriminate visual signals, similar to skills required during driving. Researchers tested 294 drivers aged 55 to 87 years, and evaluated their driving records for three years. Older drivers with a 40% or greater reduction in their useful field of view were 2.2 times as likely to have a car accident. Accidents were commonly the result of failure to yield, missed stop signs, and misjudgments of distance.

Aged, Elderly, Testing, Risk factors, Health risk assessment, Vision, Vision tests

---

Safety and mobility of the older driver: a research challenge

Article Abstract:

There may be an increase in injuries from traffic accidents as the number of elderly drivers increases. Driving is the only way to get around in many communities and many elderly people want to maintain their independence. However, cognitive impairment, vision disorders, neurological disorders and musculoskeletal problems are some of the many factors that could cause an elderly person to have an accident. Another factor is medication use, particularly benzodiazepines. A 1997 study found that long-acting benzodiazepines increased the risk of a crash by 28%.

Editorial, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Drug use, Aged automobile drivers, Elderly drivers, Benzodiazepines

---

"New Look" Reflects Changing Style of Patient Safety Enhancement

Article Abstract:

Many doctors are developing systems that identify errors without blaming any one individual. Blaming doctors only encourages them to cover up their mistakes and not report them. System analysis can identify problems in the entire system that might cause errors. This is not always easy because most health care systems are quite complicated. Doctors discussed these efforts at a 1998 conference sponsored by the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences.

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Systems analysis, Prevention, Medication errors

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Assessment of a retrovirus sequence and other possible risk factors for the chronic fatigue syndrome in adults
• Abstracts: Auditing infection. Infection and risk in operating environments. Infection control: knowledge for practice
• Abstracts: Healthy wings: make a plate of low-fat snacks for the Monday night game. How to make money on the street
• Abstracts: Atypical chest pain in the elderly. Subtle Clues of Alcohol Use in Elderly Women
• Abstracts: The managed care factor in antibiotic resistance. Case management: past, present, future - the drivers for change

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.