While drivers over 70 years of age appear to have fewer accidents, there is some evidence to show that the accident rate increases dramatically among some drivers over 75 and matches the rate of young drivers. Accidents involving elderly drivers often occur at junctions, particularly when turning right. This suggests that judgement and decision making skills deteriorate with age. Typical driving problems associated with aging include overestimation of ability, physical problems, reaction time, hearing and cognitive change. The effects of alcohol are also more severe in elderly drivers. Recommendations include regular sight checks, senior fitness programmes, extra mirror checking to compensate for deterioration in hearing, using familiar roads, avoiding unregulated right turns, avoiding peak hour driving and taking a passenger willing to watch the road.
Samenvatting