Elderly Drivers and Car Accidents: Risks and Safety Measures
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While it’s not something that most of us like to think about, there can be no denying that as we get older our ability to perform basic day-to-day tasks might be impacted by cognitive and physical decline. This applies to driving as much as anything else.
But in the case of driving, where the risks to both the driver and other road users can be so serious, it’s worth taking extra precautions to protect everyone. So what safety measures might older people be considering?
Understanding the Risks for Elderly Drivers
It’s worth being specific about exactly what kinds of decline we’re talking about. While different people will suffer from different problems to different extents, the pattern is clear: the number of drivers over seventy that are involved in traffic collisions is rising, just as the use of bus services has declined.
Data from the Department of Transport also indicates that older drivers are much more likely to be killed or seriously injured on a per-mile basis. This is because they’re more likely to be involved in an accident and to be injured when one does occur.
Age might lead to a loss of visual acuity and a slowing of reaction times, which can make a collision more likely. If a driver is pulling out at a busy intersection, or driving at night-time, then these risks increase. You might drive safely for the majority of the time, and then fail when you’re seriously tested by the road around you. This can lead to serious injury and legal action by car accident solicitors.
In some cases, your driving ability might be impacted by the medication you’re taking. Make sure that the side effects don’t include drowsiness – and avoid taking the medication if they do.
Implementing Effective Safety Measures
So, what can be done to improve the situation?
To begin with, you’ll want to make sure that you can see. Get your eyes tested every year, and wear any corrective lenses you’re prescribed. You might also refresh your driving skills by going on the occasional refresher course. This will give you the confidence you might need on the road.
In some cases, a driver might benefit from an adapted vehicle, perhaps with specialised systems that will reduce accident rates. Parking sensors, lane assistance, and power steering can all make a difference.
Legal Responsibilities and Support Systems
Under UK law, every driver is responsible for ensuring that they are fit to drive. We each have a duty to report any medical issues which might prevent us from driving to the DVLA. These medical issues include some forms of diabetes, epilepsy, glaucoma, and many other conditions.
Once you reach seventy years old, you’ll need to renew your licence every three years. Doing so means meeting a minimum eyesight requirement. If you’re driving a larger vehicle, like a lorry, this requirement is a little more stringent.
It might be that you’re simply finding driving a struggle and know you’re not as sharp as you used to be. In these instances, it’s worth looking at alternative options. You might take the bus, or do more walking, for example.
Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash
