Much of being a safe driver is being fit to drive in the first place, and knowing when this is the case. When we discuss driver fitness we tend to refer to sobriety, fatigue, eyesight etc - all those conditions that might impact on the ability to see, think, and move well enough to safely operate a vehicle. In this section we would like to investigate the importance of an often overlooked factor – physical fitness of the driver. Physical fitness is used in two close meanings: general fitness (a state of health and well-being) and specific fitness (a task-oriented definition based on the ability to perform specific aspects of sports or occupations). Physical Fitness and Driving Ability Driving a vehicle is a physical activity, and a driver who gets no physical exercise may not have the required strength, flexibility, or coordination to control and operate a vehicle safely. A driver must: see and hear clearly synthesize different types of information right away act quickly and decisively Drivers who monitor and keep track of changes in their eyesight, physical fitness and reflexes may be able to adjust their driving habits so they stay safe on the road. Physical fitness is the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles at optimum efficiency. Physical fitness is now defined as the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist hypokinetic diseases, and to meet emergency situations. Fitness can also be divided into five categories: aerobic fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. When you optimise your fitness, you improve your concentration skills, stamina and fatigue resistance and thereby might be enhancing your safety on the road. Physical Fitness and Elderly Drivers It has been found that drivers have to make about 15 major decisions for each kilometre driven, each requiring almost immediate action. Experience and mature judgment are important, but older drivers often process information more slowly. Older drivers are generally safe and conscientious drivers - for some seniors the physical changes of aging can however interfere with driving responsibly and safely. As the number of older drivers’ increases, concerns about the safety implications have been raised as well. These concerns relate to flexibility, coordination and speed of movement when controlling a vehicle on the road. It is important to note that driving skills of senior citizens might be improved by regular exercise. Older people who performed a physical conditioning program developed by researchers at Yale School of Medicine were able to maintain or enhance their driving performance, potentially leading to a safer and more independent quality of life. It is advised that elderly drivers exercise regularly. Physical fitness is essential to safe driving, especially for seniors. Exercise can be as simple as walking for at least 20 minutes five times a week. Gardening, golf, tennis, and other activities also are great ways to keep your body in top physical condition.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:04:25 +0000
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