Page 6 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2019

AAA
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WITH YOU ON THE ROAD OF LIFE
The Dangers of Multiple Medications in Older Drivers
Some commonly prescribed drugs can increase crash risks by up to 300 percent
It’s not just alcohol and illegal drugs that can impair driving – so can legally prescribed medications, taken alone or in combination with each other.
Almost half of adults 65 and
older report using seven or more
medications while remaining active
drivers, according to new research
from the AAA Foundation for Traffic
Safety. Nearly 20 percent of older
drivers are using medications that
have very limited therapeutic
benefit, pose excess harm, or
both. Drugs like these are called
potentially inappropriate medications, or PIMs. Most of them, such as benzodiazepines and first- generation antihistamines, are known to cause impairing effects such as blurred vision, confusion, fatigue or lack of coordination. They can increase a driver’s risk for a crash by up to 300 percent.
The research is from AAA’s groundbreaking multiyear LongROAD study. The project is one of the largest and most comprehensive databases
available on senior drivers, supporting in-depth research on senior driving and mobility to better understand risks and develop effective countermeasures. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that fewer than 18 percent of older drivers report ever receiving a warning from their health care
provider about how their prescriptions impact driving safety.
“Ask your doctor and pharmacist as many questions as necessary to ensure you understand why you need the medications prescribed to you and how they can affect your driving, especially if you are taking multiple medications,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “Don’t be
afraid to question health care providers. It’s their job to help you. And it may help save your life.”
To learn more about their medications, drivers can use AAA’s Roadwise Rx. This free online tool helps drivers and their families understand common
side effects of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. It also flags interactions between these medications that can impact safety behind the wheel. Print the free list
and report, then discuss the confidential results with your doctor or pharmacist to learn how to mitigate possible crash risks. To access all the free resources AAA offers to senior drivers, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
Travel Tips and Packing Workshops
with AAA Travel Store Packing Experts
Friday, March 1
Estelle Drive 10:00AM & 2:00PM
Friday, March 15
West Shore 10:00AM
Friday, March 29
Progress Ave. 10:00AM & 2:00PM
15
Travel Store Member-Tiered Pricing/Savings
CLASSIC MEMBERSHIP = GREAT DISCOUNT
PLUS MEMBERSHIP = BETTER DISCOUNT
PREMIER MEMBERSHIP = BEST DISCOUNT
TALK TO YOUR MEMBER SERVICE SPECIALIST TODAY TO UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Shop after the %*
each session is approximately one hour
show & save
Space is limited for these free workshops. Make reservations by calling (717)657-2244 Ext. 2278 or Ext. 2792.
*15% discount applies to show attendees only. Must be used the day of the show. See store for further details. Discount not valid toward previous purchases.
6
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
Now!