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| Facts & Tips for Older Drivers |
Improving our safety as Older Drivers
On the bright side, as older drivers we have significant experience:
- we usually drink less alcohol;
- we usually drive at safer speeds;
- we usually have a large number of kilometres "under our belts";
- we tend to adjust our driving to match our ability; and
- We are less likely to take risky actions on the road.
At the same time, as older drivers we have to contend with a number of personal changes and issues such as:
- Deteriorating eyesight;
- Deteriorating hearing;
- Reduced physical strength;
- Reduced flexibility;
- Age-related diseases such as arthritis; and
- Slower reaction times and other mental changes.
In surveys and forums, we report difficulty with:
- Changes in road rules and technology.
- The attitudes of some other drivers including driver aggression.
- Traversing roundabouts.
- Dealing with busy intersections.
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- Judging distances and speeds.
- Fatigue, especially on long trips.
- Night driving and bright lights.
- Reversing and parking.
- Tailgating by other drivers.
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So what can we do?
- Obtain a copy of the Current Road Rules and check your knowledge and keep up to date.
- Obtain and read the Older Drivers Handbook.
- Undertake a Driver Refresher Program such as COTA's "Overdrive Program".
- Take a couple of update lessons with a driving instructor who specialises in working with older drivers.
- Check with your GP about the impact of medications on your driving.
- Ask others whom you trust (such as your children or close friends) to provide honest feedback on your driving ability.
- Actively work to improve your health and wellbeing. Increased physical and mental exercise can provide significant imrpovements in your ability as a driver.
- Adjust your driving to avoid situations where you are uncomfortable or feel unsafe:
- Night driving: Many older people find driving at night difficult - glare, and other issues become a significant problem. If you are uncomfortable with night driving, then try to avoid it.
- Complex right-hand turns: One of the most common areas of accident for older drivers is when making right hand turns across traffic. It is well worth considering taking a longer route that will avoid right hand turns at busy intersections when possible.
- Avoid times of peak traffic: The peak traffic periods for the ACT are between 8:00am - 9:00am and between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Needless to say, these are also the times of peak accidents - avoid driving during these times if you can.
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