Older drivers – are we as bad as “they” say?
Acknowledged as an expert in the post-licence driver education industry as well as in road safety, Over60 community member, Bill Hartnett, has been actively and passionately involved in all aspects of these activities since 1968. His programs have achieved major reductions in the number of road crashes experienced by corporate and government vehicle fleets. Tens of thousands of drivers have been exposed to crash reduction procedures imparted by his unique methods. Now retired, here Bill shares some advice and tips and tricks on driving as you age.
I am an older driver myself (in my 70s) and my comments are based on my own experiences, together with involvement at the cutting-edge of road safety over a period of almost 40 years. This allows me to have a unique insight into what is unfortunately an increasing trend. That is, to have a go at older folks who only want to live their lives and enjoy the freedom that a car can offer.
In the same way younger drivers adjust from learning to becoming more competent as they gain experience, a similar adjustment occurs with older drivers as they age. Being an older driver and professional observer I have noticed changes that have taken place with my own driving. I have concluded that as we age, we unconsciously recognise a slowing down in perceptual and other skills and automatically adjust to them, not really aware sometimes that we have. It just seems to be – well, automatic, as though the brain is telling us it has to be.
It doesn't mean we are worse drivers, it just means we are more careful in what we do. Sadly, though, there are many we share the roads with who mistake our caution for lack of skill and let us know all too often what they think.
There is an inherent danger associated with the things critics say about older drivers. That is, if they criticise often enough, there is a risk that some older drivers may come to believe what is being said about them is true and, feeling inadequate, have their confidence destroyed and they become nervous. As a consequence, their driving skills are adversely affected.
Bill’s advice to help retain your licence as you get older
1. Cognitive skills can deteriorate as we get older. The best way to help combat this is to drive as often as possible to maintain skill levels. You should try to drive (ensuring you do so partly in traffic) at least twice a week.
2. If family and friends do start commenting about your driving ability, recognise this as a need to do something about it. Book into a driving school and seek an assessment from a professional as to your current ability and how you can correct any anomalies in your techniques.
3. Discuss your ability to continue driving with your doctor. Remember we have an obligation to protect the welfare of others we share the roads with, as well as ourselves.
Angela Wilkinson, a spokesperson from one of Over60’s partners, Apia, concludes: “Above all, limit distractions in the car. This goes for all drivers, not just older people. Things like mobile phones, pets and changing the radio are all those things that keep your eyes off the road. As we age our reflexes become slower so it takes a bit longer to react to things on the road than when we were younger so you can’t afford to be distracted – even for a second.”
Apia’s top tips for older drivers to stay on the road and drive safely
- Get regular health checks, especially your eyesight, you might need special glasses for driving which will improve safety.
- Drive during daylight hours, as some roads are not well lit at night.
- Stick to roads that you know well and are familiar with.
- Drive to the speed limit. Older people are known to drive slowly and don’t realise that driving under a speed limit is just as dangerous as driving over the speed limit.