Hybrid hunt
We’re interested in the Subaru Crosstrek, but want the hybrid version. We’re not seeing any on the lots. Are they late in arriving?
The Crosstrek Hybrid isn’t being made for 2017. Subaru has discontinued it. Officials have announced they’re working on some sort of hybrid vehicle, but they offered no additional specifics and made no promises about timing.
If you’re devoted to the hybrid Crosstrek rather than the conventional 2017 Crosstrek, check out the 2016 Crosstrek hybrid. There are plenty of them — in my area, at least, so it’s likely they’re available in some abundance elsewhere — because the 2017 Subaru Crosstreks were just beginning to hit dealerships in November. That means great prices on 2016 leftovers, including Crosstrek hybrids.
My mother is on six medications. She does OK, though appears a little fuzzy headed sometimes. We worry about whether she should be driving (as well as about falls, naturally). She says her doctor says she’s good to go. But I have vague unease. As boomers age, I’m sure this is a growing concern and I’m wondering if there’s some sort of clearinghouse we can call to list her meds and find out if there’s anything in particular we should be looking for regarding whether she’s safe to drive.
Here’s a place to start: The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has a web-based tool, RoadwiseRX, where you type in the names of all drugs (including over-the-counter and herbals) you (or she) takes and it coughs up every possible interaction and possible driving-safety issue related to the drug/ drugs/interactions.
Here’s the link: http://www. roadwiserx.com
For example, I typed in Synthroid, a commonly prescribed thyroid med that is considered rather neutral in terms of side effects. I learned that for some people there’s some risk for grogginess (and five specific driving dangers that can result); difficulty concentrating (and six driving-related issues); difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle; and changes in demeanor (that can result in several driving hazards). Even aspirin can be problematic for some people, according to this tool.
Go through this web process, speak with her doctor and pharmacist about how likely these problems are to occur with her, and keep alert for signs of any of the specific driving issues the program offers up.
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.