In 2002, one in every eight
Canadians was over the age of 65. Maintaining a driver's
license is an important issue of independence for older
Canadians, especially to those who have driven for most
of their life.
On a per-person basis, mature
drivers have less than the average number of collisions.
But on a per-kilometre basis, the over-70 age group is
involved in a disproportionately high number of
collisions.
The aging process brings
changes that can affect the older driver's ability to
drive safely. These include: reduced vision,
particularly at night; a decrease in depth perception;
and movement-limiting disabilities such as arthritis and
rheumatism which slow down response. The rate of aging
varies for each individual, but it is important to
recognize age-related changes and learn how to
compensate for them.
Vision, Hearing and
Medication
- Have regular vision and
hearing examinations.
- When traveling, always wear your eyeglasses or
hearing aid.
- Give yourself time to adjust to new eyeglasses
and have your glasses checked periodically.
- Use medication correctly, know how it could
affect your driving and ensure you are free from
harmful effects before driving. With some medicines,
you may not be able to drive at all.
Driving Tips
- Always wear your seat-belt.
- Keep your eyes moving and watch the entire
traffic environment.
- Look for vehicles entering the road from curbs,
driveways and businesses.
- Be alert for parked cars, pedestrians and
cyclists.
- Use rearview and outside mirrors often.
- Check to the side several times before turning
or merging.
- Never assume you can take the right of way, even
if you know it should be yours.
- When unsure whether you should pass or change
lanes, stay in your lane.
- Maintain a minimum three second following
distance. Start your count when the car ahead passes
a fixed road mark.
- When driving in the rain or in winter, reduce
speed and increase following distance.
- Maintain space cushions to the sides and behind
your car.
- Plan all your trips, choosing familiar routes
and avoiding dense and/or high speed traffic.
- Avoid driving at dusk or dawn, when visibility
is difficult.
- Avoid prolonged hours of driving.
- Keep windshields and rear windows clean inside
and out.
- Avoid looking at the headlights of oncoming
vehicles.
- Concentrate on your driving and prepare for the
unexpected.
- Do not drive if you are emotionally upset.
- Minimize background noise. Keep radio volume,
air conditioning and heater blowing units on lowest
setting.
- Never drive after consuming alcohol.
- Take a driver improvement course such as the
Canada Safety Council's
55 Alive.
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