Some typical problems ...

The tendency to overestimate driving ability probably spans all ages, however, older drivers are less likely to ‘get away’ with mistakes.

Some older drivers feel that because they have a lifetime’s experience they are, by default, highly skilled. Just because you've never had an accident, it doesn't neccessarily follow that you never will!

Eyesight problems:

It’s estimated that as much as ninety percent of the information needed for safe driving comes from vision. Eyesight is often the first sense that deteriorates with age. In addition to reduced visual acuity (especially night vision) age can affect peripheral vision, depth perception and the speed at which our eyes adjust to changes in light levels.

These changes can make it difficult to judge speed and distance, cope with bright sunlight or headlamp glare and reduce our field of view at junctions.

Some estimates suggest that a fifty-five year old can take up to eight times longer than a sixteen year old to recover from glare. Some older drivers can take twice as long as younger drivers to recognise the flash of brake lights because of an impaired ability to determine colour.

Physical problems:

Restricted mobility and muscular stiffness can make it difficult to observe the road at some junctions or when manoeuvring. Weakening muscles can affect ability to steer and brake. Getting in and out of the car becomes more difficult, thus creating more time exposed to danger when parking at the roadside.

Reaction time:

A slower response time can cause problems if
other drivers stop suddenly,
or pull out in front.

Hearing:

Even slight deafness can make it difficult to pinpoint the direction of sound, for example, emergency vehicle sirens. Ability to hear the engine may be affected and the fact that it will be harder to hear passengers during conversation means that the driver could be prone to distraction.

Cognitive change:

As our cognitive functions slow down it becomes more difficult to ‘multi-task’.

As youngsters we may easily be able to simultaneously negotiate a junction, hold a conversation, listen to music and look for road signs, the same task can seem like a complex juggling act when we get older.

Illness/disease:

While many of us might live to be healthy octogenarians, others will suffer from age related diseases such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, diabetes, insomnia, depression or any number of common health problems. Added to the other effects of age, these can pose a serious problem for drivers. Prescribed drugs might also affect ability to drive.

Alcohol:

As we get older our tolerance for alcohol declines and the effects of alcohol last longer.

This means that even a single drink can become a problem for older drivers.

Click the forward arrow below to learn more.