Older Drivers
What makes older drivers more vulnerable?
Devon & Cornwall are popular counties to retire to due to the stunning coastal scenery and quality of life it offers. This means there is a high proportion of older drivers on our roads.
Older drivers are more vulnerable due to age and fragility; making them more susceptible to death or serious injury in the event of a collision.
Nationally in 2023 approximately a quarter of those who were killed or seriously injured in collisions nationally were older drivers a rise of 12% over the last 20 years. Sadly the picture is similar here in Devon & Cornwall.
There are many factors that can affect the driving ability of older road users, including:
- Deteriorating eyesight and reduced reaction times
- Reduced mobility and any associated pain
- Cognitive impairment including dementia
- Illnesses or medical conditions (some medicines may impede reaction time)
- Pedal confusion when using an automatic car
On this page you will find a fantastic digital magazine called DriveOn – which offers all manner of useful hints – as well as a number of Frequently Asked Questions and safety advice.
There were
people killed or seriously injured in collisions involving older drivers in 2023
Around
of all drivers killed in 2023 were older drivers
Failing to look properly is the most common contributory factor in collisions involving older drivers
useful resources
Are you an older driver looking for advice on buying a suitable vehicle, motoring on a budget or even buying the safest car seats for your grandchilden? DriveOn Magazine has everything you need to know.
DriveOn
useful FAQs
Driving allows freedom and independence but as we get older both cognitive and physical abilities may change, and this can impact on our driving. Getting older doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to stop driving, sometimes we just need to make changes and adapt to allow us to continue driving safely.
Should I be concerned?
Many drivers will know when things change and are impacting on their driving, for example not feeling so confident when driving during the hours of darkness; this may lead to some people reducing the time they drive at night or not driving at all when it is dark.
However, some people may not notice changes in their driving ability, sometimes it may be others that notice, for example a member of the family. This may be because they have been driving for so long that they are in the habit of driving in a particular way and therefore overlook some easy changes that can keep them and other road users safe.
Ultimately, older drivers need to think of their own safety, the safety of their passengers and also other road users.
What can I do?
There is an abundance of advice and help that is available and links to this is given below. If you have any further questions, we will support you where we can – just ask! Contact Vision Zero South West!
When does my driving licence expire?
Most UK car driving licences are valid until your 70th birthday, when you must apply for a new three-year licence by completing a declaration that you are still fit to drive.
How do I know what medical conditions I need to declare to DVLA and if I do, will I lose my licence?
There are a number of medical conditions which you have to declare to the DVLA. Check with your GP who can assess your fitness to drive.
Notification will not automatically lead to your licence being revoked. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.
I am worried/some of my family are worried about my ability to drive safely. What should I do?
Book on an assessment with Cornwall mobility / have a chat with your GP/health professional too.
There are also several simple things we can do to help us continue to drive, safely, for as long as possible, such as taking regular driving assessments and refresher training.
A view simple steps could increase your enjoyment of driving, increase confidence and keep you and other road users safe. The following link provides a useful check list to help consider whether your driving is changing Older Driver Self Assessment Checklist
The following list also provides some simple help and advice:
Eyesight test: It’s important that eyesight is tested at least once a year so you know you are fitted with the correct glasses or contact lenses are worn for driving. The test can also identify whether you have cataracts or glaucoma which can greatly reduce vision, particularly when driving at night.
More information here: What happens in a DVLA eye test | Specsavers UK.
Hearing test: Any sensory loss can lead to a feeling of disorientation or disconnections from what is happening around you so it’s important to make sure that regularly have a hearing check.
Driving at night: Wear an-to-date pair of distance glasses or contact lenses recommended by your Optician. Never use tinted lenses such as red or amber as they can filter out traffic lights, brake lights and indicators of cars in front.
More information here: https://www.olderdrivers.org.uk/the-law/eyesight/
Avoid distractions: Concentration can decrease with age, so it’s helpful to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Plan your route: Planning your route before leaving to feel more confident and avoid getting lost. You may want to consider using a (SATNAV) as it can help take the stress out of a longer journey.
Know your limitations: If you are noticing changes in your driving then it is s best to seek advice from a GP or health professional It is important not to ignore changes as it is not only your own safety you should be thinking about but also your passengers and the danger that you might pose to other road users.
Keep physically active: Ageing also tends to result in a reduction of strength, co-ordination and flexibility and so it can make it more difficult for example to look over your shoulder. Daily physical activity like walking, cycling or swimming help keep joints supple, improve strength and flexibility and also help mental health.
Drive defensively: Reflexes can slow down as you get older, so it can be helpful to allow a little more time and space to react to any unexpected situation.