Page 11 - March 2019 NBY News

FIVE TIPS FOR THE OLDER DRIVER Fish & Wildlife Reaches Out
California Department of

Interestingly, older drivers aren’t 1. Take a class. The American CDFW Magnifies Efforts to Recruit
5 necessarily even the worst drivers Automobile Association and AARP offer a Hunters and Anglers
though that stereotype exists. They just variety of driving classes around the In an effort to get more Californians
have different physical or mental country, including some especially involved in fishing, hunting and outdoor
5 factors that can cause a higher risk of intended for seniors. These go over basic recreation, the California Department of
serious injury or death than other age driving tips but also focus on teaching Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is partnering
groups. students how to be more defensive and with the recreational fishing and hunting
However, other age groups, such as anticipate possible dangerous situations. communities, state and federal agencies,
If you’re not an old person, there are 20-30, have high rates of injury, often They also can cover driving in different and others to address barriers and
plenty of jokes to be made about their because they may be driving for longer conditions, such as ice. These opportunities to hunting and fishing in the
driving. True, some residents of Van periods of time but have less organizations also offer supplemental state.
Nuys and elsewhere, including some of experience. reading materials and brochures. “Our goal is to support and encourage
those receiving in home care, might be According to the U.S. Census, the 2. Talk to your provider. Ask about people to get outdoors and enjoy
offended at your lack of respect to your highest group of licensed drivers your driving suitability at about every California’s wild places,” said CDFW
elders, but it’s fairly likely that some having accidents was age 35-44 (22.5 annual visit or other routine Director Charlton H. Bonham. “The
might share in the laughter and agree percent), followed by 25-34 (20.1 appointments. He or she may offer fishing and hunting opportunities in this
that some seniors do drive poorly. percent), and 45-54, which is 18.1 specific recommendations for you and state are unparalleled, they belong to all
Don’t worry — employees percent. Age 55-64 had 11.5 percent, your mental and physical health, rather Californians and should be utilized by all
of Accredited Home Care won’t join in, followed by 65-74 which only had 8.5 than general people your age or of us. This effort is to make sure
although we do encourage seniors percent. condition. They also may offer some Californians know that.”
concerned about their driving abilities suggestions to help your abilities. Research shows spending time outdoors
to look for ways to stay safer. This Learn now 3. Visit your Department of Motor improves physical, mental and social well-
could mean taking special driving Winter is a good opportunity to give Vehicles. Your state might have certain being. Many hunters and anglers say the
classes, especially for seniors, looking a second thought to one’s driving requirements or recommendations for the reason they participate in these activities
for tools to be safer behind the wheel abilities. Icy and wet road conditions maximum age to hold a license. Some is to enjoy the quality time with family
such as bigger mirrors or newer better can be challenging for even the best states may ask people over a certain age and friends and to bring home great
optical prescriptions. Or, in some cases, driver, and there is also less daylight to get their license renewed more memories and healthy food.
it might be an opportunity to look for which can difficult for those who have frequently, such as a year period instead California is home to some of the
other options to get around town and a tricky time driving in darkness. of five years like younger citizens. nation’s most diverse hunting and fishing
leave the driving to others. Older Driver Safety Awareness 4. Plan your route. Instead of opportunities, but participation in these
All joking aside, there are actually Week, which ran Dec. 3-7 was designed following favorite directions to the store, activities has declined significantly since
some factors that can serve to create the to let people know about the value of restaurant or other appointments, figure the 1970s and 1980s. Hunters and anglers
perception or reinforce the stereotype transportation to seniors, especially in out the best way to get there in a path that play a crucial role in managing natural
that older drivers are bad drivers by terms of the independence it provides. avoids heavy traffic, pedestrians, noise or resources by regulating wildlife
nature. Though some may begin to worry other distractions. populations to maintain ecological and
The National Institute on Aging says about the possible diminishing of their 5. Talk to the family. They may biological diversity, participating in
there are a variety of physical and abilities behind the wheel, they also want to help, such as taking you places in wildlife surveys for scientific data
mental health factors that can affect don’t want to give up this freedom poor weather or driving conditions but collection, and reporting wildlife crimes.
driving performance. without a strong reason. still generally trying to respect and Hunters and anglers also help sustain a
This can include weaker hands and The American Occupational Therapy recognize your freedom. Family multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation
arm muscles, which make it harder to Association is one of the promoters of members also would be able to provide industry and provide the primary funding
use the steering wheel; declining this week and invites people to share honest assessments of your abilities source for state-level fish and wildlife
eyesight, which makes it more difficult their thoughts then or anytime about behind the wheel. conservation in California. The decline in
to see signs or navigate in poor light; matters like driving, including how Whether you’re beginning to have participation poses an ever-increasing
mental problems such as dementia, they are able to stay focused on the doubts about your driving abilities or are threat to wildlife conservation, the state’s
which may affect decision-making or mechanics of driving and how to be considering this point in future, the team long-standing hunting and fishing
remembering rules of the road; a prepared when roadway conditions or at Accredited Home Care can assist make heritage, and Californians’ connection to
variety of medications that could slow traffic changes. sense of everything. the outdoors in general.
reaction time; or weaker hearing, which Getting Started: Seniors interested in To get involved or learn more about the
could make it difficult to hear boosting their driving skills and state’s R3 efforts, please
important noises on the road, such as staying safe can try these strategies: contact Jennifer.Benedet@wildlife.ca.gov.
honks or sirens.

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March 2019 11