The first full week of November is National Senior Safety Week. To recognize the occasion, the Canada Safety Council is reminding elder drivers - as well as individuals who may be caring for them - to be aware of the physical and mental challenges that come with aging, as they may impact one's ability to drive safely.
Because the effects of aging vary from person to person, the CSC says it's important for individuals to be aware of any physical changes that may affect road safety. Transport Canada says those over the age of 65 accounted for 389 deaths on the roads in 2009. That's more than any other age group.
One of the things that may impact seniors' driving capability is medication. Because seniors often take several prescriptions at once, the side effects may impair their vision, hearing or reaction time, the CSC advises.
"It is essential to know if the medication(s) will affect their driving abilities," the Council said. "Some of the main factors in collisions involving older drivers are slow response, not seeing a sign, car, or pedestrian, and interaction with other drivers. Medications can make a driver more susceptible to any of these factors."
Because driving is an important part of individuals' sense of independence, CSC says it can be difficult to know when it may be time to turn over the keys. To help elders and caretakers determine this, they should schedule regular vision and hearing examinations. If the doctor says that hearing or vision has deteriorated too significantly, driving may need to be restricted to the daytime or stopped entirely. Should this happen, the driver's auto insurance company should be made aware that a vehicle or a driver is being taken off of a policy.
But even if older Canadians are given a clean bill of health, the CSC says there are still some things they should always do to make sure they keep themselves and others safe.
For example, the Council says mature drivers should ensure that if they require a hearing aid or eyeglasses, they always wear them while driving. Similarly, if older Canadians are taking one or several medications, they should make sure they're taken according to the instructions. Some medications warn that their side effects may impact one's driving capability.
In addition, CSC reminds older drivers to keep their eyes moving constantly while behind the wheel, being watchful of the traffic environment and prepared for the unexpected, such as an animal crossing the street, a cyclist or a car pulling out quickly. They should also keep a safe distance between themselves and the vehicle that's in front of them, particularly in wet or icy conditions.
These tips are not only good for older drivers, but Canadian motorists in general.
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