One of the best ways to stay safe on the roads is to avoid potentially hazardous situations wherever possible. This is especially true for older drivers.
Almost 400 drivers aged 75 and over took part in a Western Sydney University study aimed at investigating their driving habits.
The drivers initially participated in a workshop that helped them identify high-risk factors including driving at night, in school zones, in the rain and on motorways.
University researchers and the George Institute for Global Health then attached GPS devices to the cars of the 380 participants to track whether they put into practice what they had learnt in the workshop.
The data found the drivers averaged 104.9 kilometres a week, with each trip averaging five kilometres to their local shopping centre or neighbouring suburb. The longest trip was just 11 kilometres.
Lead researcher Dr Kristy Coxon said the research found that older drivers modified their behaviour on the roads, including avoiding right-hand turns into oncoming traffic and driving alone.
“We also found older drivers actually recognise their ability and adjust accordingly,” Dr Coxon said.
“Elderly drivers who have lower confidence often drove shorter trips and drove in familiar areas close to home. Drivers who had lower levels of function and ability also drove fewer kilometres. So, many do recognise their abilities and are able to [find a] balance.”
The study identified the top five mistakes made by older drivers.
Making right-hand turns at intersections
According to Dr Coxon, this involves complex decision-making as unprotected intersections often don’t have traffic lights. This type of turn requires the driver to have considerable visual motor skills in regard to gap selection and judging the distance of the car, which can be demanding.
Driving in high volume areas
Dr Coxon believes it is advantageous for less confident senior drivers to avoid areas such as school zones during peak hour, as traffic in these zones can be unpredictable.
Driving alone
‘Two sets of eyes are better than one’ is a policy Dr Coxon always likes to reiterate to older drivers.
Tackling peak hour
Simply put, more cars equals more chance of an accident occurring.
Driving in the rain or at night
Driving when vision is decreased is dangerous for any driver, but can be especially risky for older drivers who may already have decreased vision.
What aspects of driving are proving more challenging for you as you’re ageing? Have you started to limit trips around your neighbourhood? Are older drivers unfairly blamed for traffic accidents? Why not have your say in the comments section below?
This article first appeared on seniordriveraus.com and is republished here with permission of the author.
Paul Murrell is a motoring writer and creator of seniordriveraus.com, which specialises in “car advice for people whose age and IQ are both over 50”.
Read more: Are you really a good driver?
At 69 driving in busy, unfamiliar areas is a place I do not go so much anymore. Familiar roads are fine, backroads, and residential areas ok as are busy regional town roads but interpreting main and highway intersections can be a problem – unless it is only two main roads intersecting. Multi lanes are still ok. I’m also finding driving at night just outside town when it changes from lit to unlit requiring more attention than it used to, and especially where lights are shining off the wet road. I have started thinking about how I will organise my life without my car however. I now also pay more attention to awareness of how I feel driving. I still enjoy it, but I think the moment I feel any fear or anxiety will be when I stop.
I totally agree. I am 74, last year I decided to drive only when I had no other option. I do have a lack of feeling in my lower legs and feet so it is not ideal to drive. I made the decision myself before I had an accident.
I am 83, have not changed my driving habits and do not see any reason to do so.