INGENIEUR
Advanced technology in modern vehicles
could be a factor causing older drivers to have
a harder time handling a car as they might be
slower to adapt to new technologies in modern
cars. They might also forget to upkeep regular
car maintenance. These factors could contribute
to slower reactions or an inability to respond to
problems when facing difficulties on the road.
According to the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS), Highway Loss Data Institute
(HLDI) (2016) a survey conducted on 2,500 drivers
aged 65 and older found that drivers with reported
impairments in memory, vision, mobility and health
conditions such as arthritis or diabetes were more
likely than other drivers to self-limit their driving by
making fewer trips, travelling shorter distances,
or avoiding night driving, driving on interstates or
driving in ice or snow. This statement supports
other research showing that many older drivers
self-limit their driving. Some seniors do not self-
regulate or adjust their driving, even those with
high levels of cognitive impairment.
The GHSA also found that older drivers
commonly face impairments in their visual,
cognitive and motor abilities. These impairments
(see sidebar) can put older drivers’ safety at risk
and reduce their life expectancy.
Recommendations
Provide ‘old driver sticker’
Stakeholders should provide special stickers to
older drivers as disabled people because older
drivers also face various difficulties. Other road
users should be more understanding and be more
tolerant of this age group because of their health
conditions. This could be accomplished by having
a sticker other drivers can see.
Attend driving courses
Education and training are important ways
to inform older drivers that their physical and
cognitive changes which will impact their abilities
are part of the ageing process, therefore they
should choose safer vehicles. Driving schools
should provide refresher courses to update the
skills of older drivers. In addition, other parties
such as doctors, family, and engineers should
get more involved and collaborate on easing the
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Impairments
Vision
Sufficient visual acuity and field of vision are
critical for safe driving but tend to deteriorate
with age. Glare, impaired contrast sensitivity,
and increased time needed to adjust to the
changes in light levels are problems commonly
experienced by older drivers.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes by older drivers include
failing to stay in the correct lane, failing to
yield to the right of way, misjudging the time or
distance needed to turn in front of traffic, failing
to stop completely at a stop sign and driving too
slowly.
Cognition
Driving requires a variety of high-level cognitive
skills, including memory, visual processing,
attention and executive skills. Medical
conditions such as dementia and commonly
prescribed medications for older people have a
significant impact on cognition.
Motor Function
Motor abilities such as muscle strength,
endurance and flexibility are needed for
operating vehicle controls and turning to view
traffic. Even prior to driving, motor abilities are
needed to enter the car safely and fasten the
seat belt. Changes related to age and diseases
such as arthritis can decrease an individual's
ability to drive safely and comfortably.
The issues raised tell us that older drivers
should be given better attention. Although we
cannot force them to change, we can make
some recommendations to help them feel safer
and more comfortable on the road.