When should we stop driving?
Posted by: hispania
31st Jul 2024 03:00am
There are more cars on the roads today, with this increased traffic requiring good reflexes, vision and judgement so that drivers can respond quickly to the unexpected, Many people give no thought to whether they should continue driving or whether they should restrict driving in situations like night time, poor weather or long distance trips. Another factor is that older people may drive less consistently and less frequently than when they were working and are active in their local area rather than regularly driving some distances to leisure activities. Their driving skills may deteriorate somewhat as a result. How do we encourage older people to think carefully about whether they should still be driving?
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Comments 5
tcam
Perhaps instead of a yearly doc appt after a certain age it becomes a bi annual check. 1 in the doc surgery and 1 in the home. both free checks.
baccus
Encouraging older Australians to consider their driving abilities requires a sensitive and supportive approach. With increased traffic and the demands of modern driving, reflexes, vision, and judgement play a critical role in road safety. Many older drivers are cautious and self-regulate by avoiding challenging conditions like night driving, poor weather, or long trips. However, it's essential to open conversations about recognising when it might be time to adjust or stop driving entirely for their safety and others'.
One way to address this is through regular health and vision checks, which can help identify any limitations that might affect driving. Encouraging participation in refresher driving courses or assessments, such as those offered by local motoring clubs like NRMA, can also provide valuable feedback. Additionally, promoting alternative transport options, including community transport services or ride-share apps, can ease the transition and help older people maintain their independence without relying solely on driving.
jtmorri
With the older individual there are a few factors they weigh up when deciding to keep driving. Convenience, mobility and freedom v's cost of owning a car v's their health v's fear and anxiety of driving. Each individual reaches their own conclusion of what is most important to them at that time which can also change in the future. I feel an individual who overestimates their skill and ability as they age is the one who needs to be watched for going beyond an appropriate driving age (even when they begin to experience driving mishaps).
chickenman
should be mostly up to the individual as to when a person stops driving. different people react differently to situations and should know when it is time to either restrict their driving or give it away completely. before i had cataracts removed i restricted myself from night-time driving and distances, but now eyesight is back to great i can now drive anytime. reflexes are another criteria that must be assessed by the driver especially with the speed most people seem to drive at these days. but don't stop driving because others drive erratically.
Skylark
I'm going to have to have this conversation with my 92 year old Dad soon. From the scratches on the bumpers, and the scratch he put on my car recently, it's getting to the time where he needs to stop driving.
He's up for his licence renewal shortly, so I might be spared.