|
There is no real age when drivers start to be less safe on the roads in fact experience of driving helps drivers in their fifties generally have a much lower risk of having a road accident than other age groups.
However, other factors come into play after the age of 60, and this risk can increase steadily. In fact by the age of 75 the risk of being involved in a road accident is twice that of drivers who are in their fifties. This shift in risk is because skills needed to drive safely deteriorate as we get older. This deterioration starts when you are about 55 and is hardly noticeable, but gradually increases and becomes very noticeable for most drivers by the age of 75.
It's a well known fact of course that everyone thinks they are better drivers than is actually the case, so it's very important that when nature begins to tell us to slow down, we recognise that our driving will be affected. The good new is that by changing the way we drive just slightly, we can carry on driving more safely - and enjoying it.
Also remember you are never too old to benefit from advanced driving courses!
Are You a Good Driver?
Although everyone is different, the following changes are likely:
- 1. Decision making takes longer:
- The impatience of other road users may cause you to hurry, with the result that you are far more likely to make mistakes. Planning your journeys so that you avoid busy or difficult junctions (particularly right turns) and peak traffic times will help you not feel so rushed. If you find motorway driving stressful, you can avoid it by taking an alternative route. Looking further ahead as you drive may help you see problems before you meet them head on, and you will have more time to plan what you do.
- 2. Reaction times are slower:
- Leaving a larger gap between you and the car in front will give you more time to react and stop in an emergency. Avoid driving if you are tired or feeling unwell. Remember that alcohol slows your reactions still further when you are older and should be avoided altogether when driving. Suitable regular exercise, both mental and physical, can restrict the slowing down effects of ageing.
- 3. Eyesight and hearing deteriorates:
- Our eyes deteriorate from about the age of 45 years but this process is usually quite slow. For this reason, people often don't know that their vision isn't as good as it ought to be for safe driving. It is therefore important to have your eyes checked regularly by a qualified optician and to wear any glasses prescribed for you. Try to avoid driving at twilight or in the dark, because as you get older your eyes react much slower to changes in light conditions. In particular, recovery from being dazzled takes much longer.
- 4. We become tired and stressed more easily:
- Make plenty of time for your journey and allow for regular breaks if you are traveling a long way. Also remember that drowsiness is made worse by some medicines.
- 5. Drugs and medication:
- Older people often take more medicine and drugs than other age groups . Frequently, drivers are unaware of the effects that medicines (even non-prescription ones) can have on their driving. Always take note of what your GP says and read the labels and instructions on medicines carefully.
- 6. Less agility:
- Driving safely requires good awareness of what is happening on the road, not just in front of you but all round - and especially from behind. If you suffer from arthritis or stiffness of the joints which restricts your movement, then your overall observation is likely to be affected. In this case, you could fit special "blind-spot" rear view mirrors to help.
The Highway Code
In order to drive more safely, it is also necessary to keep up to date with new traffic laws and road designs. Regardless of age, all drivers should remind themselves from time to time of the Highway Code.
Choosing a Car
When you are buying a new or second-hand car, there are some features you could consider that will make driving it easier for you:
- Power-assisted steering and automatic gear changing, as they require less physical strength
- Clear rather than tinted glass windows allow the driver to see better
- Easy access to and from the car will help if you have restricted mobility
- Good all round visibility
- Comfortable and easily adjustable seats
|
