DRIVER SAFETY FOR SENIORS

Let’s face it:  the reality is that most of us will, at some time or other, choose to stop driving a vehicle.    Some of us will take personal responsibility for taking this step, while others will opt to wait until they are required to. 

As a society, we need to balance our individual mobility needs with the safety requirements of all road users.

But the news is not all bad – many mature drivers remain competent behind the wheel of a car, as age alone is not a good predictor of driving safely.  However, changes do occur as we continue to age, and for some, those changes can affect their ability to function safely as a driver.  This puts them and also other road users at risk. 

Today, statistics show that about 3 million licensed drivers in Canada are aged 65 years or older.  Research also indicates that seniors are more likely than others (with reference to the very young) to be involved in a crash. The recovery time needed to return to good health is also greater following an injury.

The key to ensuring we remain a safe driver, is to plan ahead to reduce the risks and protect others.  For example, we already recognize that the best way to reduce risk is to never drive after consuming any alcohol – and to never accept a ride from another driver who has been drinking.  Public transit, taking a taxi or opting to use a designated driver who is identified in advance, are far better choices in order to get to where you need to, safely.

Keep in mind that many prescription or over-the-counter medications can also impair your driving ability.  Be sure to check the labels on your medications, to ensure that they will not affect your ability to drive safely – if you discover that your driving ability is at risk while taking these medications, plan alternative ways of getting around. 

Another form of impairment is that of driver fatigue.  Being tired is actually a leading cause of crashes which can have disastrous consequences, and one in five of BC’s traffic-related fatalities are traced to the driver not having had enough rest before taking over the wheel.   

Suggested ways of curbing risk might include breaking up your trip into shorter driving times, avoiding driving overnight or in some instances, even driving in the dark.  Keep a window open a crack, in order to let in fresh air—makes sure that the temperature inside your automobile is not running too high.  Take steps to stay awake and alert by turning on the radio or relating to a passenger (as long as it doesn’t cause an unwelcome distraction, drawing you away from concentrating on driving safely). 

A recent study indicates that 8 out of 10 crashed are due to driver distractions.  Even if you only take your eyes off the road briefly, there’s plenty of time for something to go wrong.  For example, if you are driving along at 50 km/h, during the two seconds you happen to glance away, your vehicle will have traveled almost 30 metres.  Those two seconds are just long enough to theoretically miss a car which is pulling out from a side road, or if one misses seeing the traffic light changes. 

For many seniors, driving is a prime key toward retaining independence – but only safe driving is the key to enjoying a long driving career, so it’s worth the effort to stay alert. 

 

By Marilyn Boxwell