Last Updated on February 26, 2023 by admin
Most people know to take a cab or designate a driver if they’ve been drinking. However, some reasons to stay off the road aren’t always so obvious. Vision problems, drowsiness, and some medications may affect your driving abilities enough to increase your risk of getting into a crash.
Even if your insurer is sympathetic to your health issues, it won’t make a difference if you end up in an accident. Insurance agents are only concerned about who’s at fault in an accident to determine whether a surcharge (additional fee) should be added to a policy, says Billy Wagner, territory owner with Bright way Insurance in Florida.
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Careless or Reckless
The specific circumstances of each accident determine whether the outcome is deemed careless or reckless, as laws vary. Wagner says that the cause of the accident comes into play only if the driver is charged with a citation, such as careless driving or reckless driving. Reckless driving is typically a more severe offense than careless driving.
“Reckless driving usually describes driving in a willfully negligent manner, endangering the lives of people,” says Frank Scafidi, a spokesman for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a non-profit organization. “Careless driving, on the other hand, is more or less absent-minded driving where you are oblivious to traffic or road conditions that could jeopardize the safety of other people.”
An accident that occurs from drowsiness not associated with medication is an unintentional act, says Scafidi. “But if you are taking prescriptions or meds that warn against driving, then that could be deemed a DUI,” he says. A citation for an at-fault accident could increase insurance premiums by up to 40%, so you won’t be able to get cheap auto insurance under $100 a month.
Here are four situations where it may be best to hand over your car keys to another driver.
Vision Loss
A new study from Japan showed that drivers with advanced glaucoma (an eye disease that limits vision) were involved in twice the number of accidents as drivers with normal vision.
Glaucoma affects a person’s peripheral vision (the ability to see objects outside of the central vision), making it difficult to stay in the proper lane and detect pedestrians and other obstacles entering from the side of the field of vision.
Glaucoma affects more than 2.7 million Americans 40 and older and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide after cataracts.
The Japanese study used a driving simulator and showed that the most common accident scenario was when a car, object, or child suddenly appeared to the side of the driver’s vision.
Regular eye exams help determine vision changes that may affect driving. Ophthalmologists recommend eye exams every two to four years for people 40 to 54 and every one to three years for those 55 and older.
Drug Side Effects
Medications also may affect your ability to drive. Any drug that makes you sleepy or drowsy, including cold medications, can cause problems, says David Small, pharmacy manager at Nantucket Cottage Hospital in Massachusetts.
“Dramamine (for motion sickness) is always a biggie here on Nantucket, where people access the island by boat and then hop in a car and drive while they’re still under the influence of the medication,” Small says.
Even worse is if the person has a cocktail on top of the medication since alcohol intensifies the effects of the drug. Many other medications can also make you drowsy when combined with alcohol.
“Most medications will have a warning if drowsiness is a side effect of the drug,” Small says.
Long-acting drugs create a more significant danger, as people often take them in the morning and don’t realize the drug’s effects remain in their system all day. “Some meds work for eight to 10 hours, so taking something in the morning may affect you even at dinner, especially if you have a drink,” he says.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving accounts for more than 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in more than 1,500 deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Since there is no sleep equivalent to a breathalyzer, drivers must be tuned into signs that they should not be on the road,” says Dr. Allen Towfigh, a sleep medicine specialist and neurologist.
- Some of the telltale signs of drowsy driving include:
- Frequent blinking, blinking for a longer time, and head nodding.
- Having trouble keeping eyes open and focused.
- Daydreaming or memory lapses.
- Drifting out of the lane or off the road.
“The only remedy for sleep deprivation is sleep,” Towfigh says. However, if getting sufficient sleep is not possible, a short nap of 20 minutes, combined with one or two cups of coffee or another caffeinated beverage, may help improve driving safety.
In New Jersey, Maggie’s Law makes it illegal to operate a vehicle when drowsy knowingly. Lawmakers in Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York are considering similar laws.
Dementia
Senior citizens insurance rates will increase after a certain age. Numerous studies show that driving ability declines as we age. Drivers whose ability to think or concentrate was impaired had more errors on driving tests compared with healthy older adults. A recent study at the Rhode Island Hospital’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center showed that this is especially true for people with dementia.
Researchers concluded that while it’s not necessary to automatically revoke a person’s license because of a dementia diagnosis, the person should be monitored for signs that they still can drive safely.
Telltale Signs It’s Time to Take a Break from Driving
Driving is a daily routine for many people, but it’s important to know when it’s time to take a break from the road. Whether it’s due to physical or mental exhaustion, recognizing the signs that you need to step back from driving can keep you and others safe. Here are four signs that it’s time to take a break from driving:
- Fatigue: If you feel excessively tired, especially while driving, it’s important to pull over and rest. Drowsy driving can slow your reaction time and impair your judgment, putting yourself and others at risk.
- Distracted driving: If you find yourself constantly checking your phone, adjusting the radio, or daydreaming while driving, it’s time to take a break. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents and can lead to serious consequences.
- Decreased reaction time: If you find yourself having difficulty reacting to unexpected situations on the road, it may be time to take a break. This can signify physical or mental exhaustion and should not be ignored.
- Increased stress levels: If driving has become a source of stress or anxiety, it’s important to take a break and reassess the situation. High-stress levels while driving can lead to reckless or aggressive behavior, putting yourself and others at risk.
It’s essential to listen to your body and mind when it comes to driving. Taking a break can help you recharge and return to the road refreshed and ready to drive safely.
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