The Effects of Medical Conditions on Driving Performance: a Literature Review and Synthesis


Book Description

One factor that distinguishes older drivers from their younger and middle-aged counterparts is a higher prevalence of medical conditions, and the medications used to treat them. Often, the medical conditions that are more prevalent among older people lead to impairments in visual, cognitive, or psychomotor functions needed to drive safely. Similarly, while some medications restore function and improve mobility for those who would otherwise be unable to drive, an array of potentially driver impairing (PDI) prescriptions and over-the-counter medications have been associated with a statistically significant increase in crash risk.The current understanding of how medical conditions can affect driving is based on the opinions of medical (including rehabilitation) professionals or traffic safety experts, or has been derived from simulation research. Other studies have compared the driving records of drivers whose licenses were restricted as a result of reported medical conditions to those of matched controls with the same conditions who had full driving privilege. However, there is a dearth of empirical data about the relationships between medical conditions common among older adults and either performance or safety outcomes of drivers under realistic driving situations. Further, few studies have explored how people with such conditions may limit their driving exposure.




Medical Conditions and Driving


Book Description

This report reviews the contribution of medical conditions and functional limitations (e.g., sensory, motor, or cognitive functioning) to motor vehicle crashes. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the international research literature on the effects of medical and functional conditions on driving performance. The Appendix presents preliminary guidelines for physicians to assess medical fitness-to-drive.




Effects of Psychoactive Chemicals on Commercial Driver Health and Performance: Stimulants, Hypnotics, Nutritional, and Other Supplements


Book Description

TRB’s Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program (CTBSSP) Synthesis 19: Effects of Psychoactive Chemicals on Commercial Driver Health and Performance: Stimulants, Hypnotics, Nutritional, and Other Supplements identifies available information and research gaps relating to the use of chemical substances by commercial drivers and is intended to provide up-to-date information to inform decision makers about the near-, mid-, and long-range planning needs for research and educational outreach programs.




Ham's Primary Care Geriatrics


Book Description

Written with first-line primary care providers in mind, Ham’s Primary Care Geriatrics: A Case-Based Approach, 7th Edition, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read source of practical clinical guidance for this rapidly growing population. Using a unique, case-based approach, it covers the patient presentations you’re most likely to encounter, offering key clinical information, expert advice, and evidence-based medical guidelines throughout. This highly regarded text uses a consistent format and an enjoyable writing style to keep you informed, engaged, and up to date in this increasingly important field. Uses a case study format that is ideal for learning, retention, and rapid recall. All case studies are thoroughly up to date with current references. Features an interdisciplinary perspective to provide team-oriented knowledge on the best diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies available to address the complex needs of older adults. Contains a new chapter on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Medicine in Older Adults, as well as completely revised or rewritten chapters on rehabilitation, infectious disease, and urinary incontinence. Provides up-to-date information on key topics such as opioid management and polypharmacy, the “geriatric emergency room, cultural humility in the care of older adults, and the five signs of problematic substance abuse. Includes key learning objectives and USMLE-style questions in every chapter.










Medical Conditions and Driving


Book Description

Provides a comprehensive review of the international research lit. on the effects of medical and functional conditions on driving performance. There are 15 sections (Intro., Vision, Hearing, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cerebrovascular Diseases, Peripheral Vascular Diseases, Diseases of the Nervous System, Respiratory Diseases, Metabolic Diseases, Muscuoloskeletal Disabilities, Renal Diseases, Psychiatric Diseases, Drugs, The Aging Driver, and the Effects of Anesthesia and Surgery). Each section contains an overview of the condition/illness; prevalence info.; a review of the medical, gerontological, and epidemiological lit. relevant to the condition/illness, followed by current fitness to drive guidelines for the condition. A print on demand report.










Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Fatigue, Long-Term Health, and Highway Safety


Book Description

There are approximately 4,000 fatalities in crashes involving trucks and buses in the United States each year. Though estimates are wide-ranging, possibly 10 to 20 percent of these crashes might have involved fatigued drivers. The stresses associated with their particular jobs (irregular schedules, etc.) and the lifestyle that many truck and bus drivers lead, puts them at substantial risk for insufficient sleep and for developing short- and long-term health problems. Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Fatigue, Long-Term Health and Highway Safety assesses the state of knowledge about the relationship of such factors as hours of driving, hours on duty, and periods of rest to the fatigue experienced by truck and bus drivers while driving and the implications for the safe operation of their vehicles. This report evaluates the relationship of these factors to drivers' health over the longer term, and identifies improvements in data and research methods that can lead to better understanding in both areas.