Retirement is probably one of the best times in which you can follow your heart and chase your passion. There are numerous options that you might have at your disposal, and driving is definitely one of them. Recent reports suggest that there are around 40 million drivers with a license who are 65 years old or more. Though with increasing age means the higher chances of incurring injuries and accidents, having a proper knowledge of these mishaps and risks is surely a profound way to experience great times that driving brings along with it. So, what are the ways of ensuring safety while being on the road and what are the relevant statistics? Have a look.
Which Age Group Has The Maximum Chance To Face An Accident?
While the risk of incurring a fatal crash accentuates when drivers are in their 70s, the probability of getting involved in an accident is maximum when drivers are in their 80s or older. But the numbers can be attributed to an increase in vulnerability and medical impediments rather than to a high risk of fatal crashes in drivers who are aged 65 or above. Additionally, males have a higher probability of getting into crashes and accidents than their female counterparts. A deterioration in cognitive functioning and eyesight complications play a major role in increasing the risk.
Safety Of Senior Drivers – The Key Concerns
It’s a known fact that 75-80% of seniors, especially those who are in their 70s, suffer from various health issues, and primarily joint pains or arthritis which makes twisting and turning during driving cumbersome and painful as well. They are not as flexible as when they were younger, and their muscles fail to strengthen up at that age. Consequently, gripping ability gets limited and pressing the pedals might become painful. If a senior driver is under some medication, that, too, can affect one’s driving ability. Statistics reveal that younger drivers are more prone to accidents than seniors, but if the accident rate each mile is taken into account, the rate is the same, and it’s really high.
Driving Mistakes Vary
Senior drivers are more cautious actually. The possibility of incurring a risk on turns and bends and while overtaking are much lower than their younger counterparts. Seniors have the habit of being more careful, conservative, and slower, and they tend to apply the same while being on the road. The probability of speeding, zigzagging, or overtaking is on the lesser side, and the chances of them breaking traffic rules are quite negligible. But, as a matter of fact, seniors are more vulnerable to mistakes and mishaps, specifically in intersections on 65/75 mph roads.
Recommendations By The CDC
To reduce accidents, injuries, and driver deaths, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) stresses on using seatbelts, and this should definitely be adhered to. It is rather imperative for every senior driver to drive during daytime during a suitable driving whether i.e. clear and sunny days. Avoiding roads that are high speed, for instance above 60 mph, is preferable because turnings, bendings, and changing lanes quickly require better and faster reflexes, and therefore, a senior driver might find himself in quite a difficult position. It becomes tough for the aged people to match up to the required abilities that a driver should have on those high-speed lanes.
What Else Can You Do To Minimize The Risks Of Accident?
Seniors must have a thorough know-how of all the risks they might face while driving. It’s important for family members to inspire and help them while they practice the necessary skills like how to negotiate intersections. Another way to ensure safety on the road is keeping a safe distance with the vehicle that’s in front and make sure they never change lanes. Regular assessments are a must for drivers who are in their 80s to ensure they have no complications in their eyesight. If need be, getting contact lenses or glasses becomes a necessity.
If you adore your habit of driving, there are absolutely no reasons on earth why you shouldn’t continue doing that after you call it a day. You just need to make sure that you schedule appointments with your eye doctor on a yearly basis, conversant with the GPS technology, and practice the main techniques and safety regulations. That’s it. You are all ready to hit the road. Stay safe!