Life in the fast-lane: Ten tips for elderly drivers

They say that wisdom comes with age. And for most people at least, as the years roll by the care-free, recklessness of youth tends to be replaced by a calmer, more considered approach to life.

This is perhaps best exemplified on the roads. Whilst 17 to 25 year olds hold just 10 per cent of all driving licences in the UK, statistics show that they are responsible for over 20 per cent of all car accidents as they are generally considered more likely to take risks on the roads than older drivers. This is one reason why car insurance premiums generally decrease with age. But whilst older drivers may be more careful on the road, the usual health concerns that come with old age can start to affect their driving ability, so here are the top 10 rules of thumb for elderly drivers.

Eyesight
Poor eyesight is perhaps one of the most common health conditions that affect elderly drivers, so it’s worth getting regular eye-checks to see if stronger glasses are needed.

Night-driving
It’s perhaps worth avoiding driving at night as car headlights and streetlights can cause significant ‘dazzle’ for those who wear glasses.

Hearing loss
As hearing loss happens gradually, it is difficult to know whether crucial driving cues are being missed, such as sirens or a child’s bicycle bell. A simple hearing test can determine any hearing issues.

Medication
Many prescription drugs can impair reaction times and/or cause drowsiness, so it’s worth checking with a GP to see if it’s still safe to drive when taking prescribed medicines.

Overly-cautious
It is also possible to be overly careful on the roads. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too quickly, so stay as close to the speed limit as possible.

Mobility Issues
It may be worth visiting an occupational therapist who could advise on any mobility issues. It’s possible to fit adaptive equipment to the car such as a wide-angle mirror, seat cushions or hand controls.

Tiredness
Daytime tiredness is particularly common in elderly people, so it’s important to pull over somewhere safe at the first sign of fatigue.

Dementia and brain impairment
This is a real hazard that can lead to severely delayed reaction times and confusion, so it’s safer to remain off the road altogether where mental illness is involved.

Assessment and Courses
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents offer assessments and refresher courses for older drivers, so this is a good starting point to determining whether one is still fit to drive or not.

Car Insurance
Whilst many elderly people are still perfectly fit and able to drive, they often tend to pay much more than they need to for car insurance. In fact, the biggest rise in car insurance premiums between 2007 and 2008 was for those aged 65 and over, with the main reason for this being that many older people fail to use the Internet to source an alternative car insurance quote; tending instead to stay with their current insurer.

So, whilst elderly drivers with their years of experience and cautious attitude on the road may mean they are safer drivers, age-related health concerns mean that regular health checks are in order to ensure safer roads for everyone. And by entering the e-commerce world, they can also reap the benefits of cheap car insurance throughout their golden years.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.