May, 2000

Safe driving for older drivers

Getting a driver’s licence is a milestone for most of us. Think back to the first time you held your licence in your hands. That little piece of paper meant freedom ­ you could go anywhere at any time. You were 16 and you had the independence that comes with a driver’s licence. But while you must be 16 to start driving, at what age should you stop driving?

"Age does affect some of the skills needed for safe driving, like vision and hearing. But it doesn’t mean we have to give up driving once we reach a certain age," says Kwei Quaye, Manager of SGI’s Traffic Safety Program Evaluation. "As we get older, we depend on driving to maintain mobility and independence, and there are things we can do to ensure we drive safely for as a long as possible."

Aging is generally accompanied by changes that may adversely affect an individual’s cognitive and motor skills. Deterioration of vision, reflexes and hearing begin to accelerate around age 50 with noticeable changes around 60. Aging drivers are also more likely than younger drivers to have cognitive impairments due to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, which may affect their driving ability to the point that it is no longer safe for them to be behind the wheel.

Aging drivers who acknowledge their limitations and take steps to address them are most likely to maintain safe driving abilities than those who don’t, according to Quaye. This begins with adjusting our driving habits in order to compensate for physical limitations, or no longer driving when our cognitive abilities begin to deteriorate.

Older drivers have experience behind the wheel, which is an important factor in safe driving. Generally, older drivers have been behind the wheel for many years, and have handled many different and difficult driving situations. Experience is definitely an asset on the road, but the ability to recognize conditions and limitations that come with aging will take a driver farther.

Quaye acknowledges that many drivers take the initiative and adjust their driving behaviours upon recognizing the effects of aging. This, in part, explains why older drivers are under-represented in accident reports. In 1999, drivers 65 and older represented 15.2 per cent of all licensed drivers, and 8.4 per cent of drivers involved in accidents in Saskatchewan.

Common adjustments among older drivers include less frequent trips, travelling shorter distances, not driving during peak traffic hours, not driving on freeways or expressways, driving at slower speeds and avoiding nighttime driving.

"These are just a few of the habits older drivers change. It’s up to the individuals to assess their abilities and adjust their practices accordingly in order to maintain their driving privileges," says Quaye.

As well, he says there are a number of possibilities for older drivers who are concerned with their ability to maintain safe driving practices.

"If someone is uncertain about their driving practices or wondering how age can have an adverse effect on their driving ability, they can call SGI to discuss these issues. We can send them a copy of our Driving Over 50 booklet, which has many helpful tips and hints on aging and safe driving.

"We can also provide them with information on the Saskatchewan Safety Council’s ’55 Alive’ safety course, which is geared at helping older drivers improve their skills," says Quaye. "SGI’s goal is to help older drivers to stay mobile for as long as possible without compromising their safety and the safety of others on the road."

For more information, contact:
Kwei Quaye
Manager, Traffic Safety Program Evaluation
SGI
Regina
Phone: (306) 775-6182

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