Australia is a nation that loves getting behind the wheel. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the average yearly distance travelled is around 12,100 kilometres nationally. The news coincides with a 2020 survey by research group Roy Morgan that shows that there has been considerable growth in the number of older Australians remaining on the road,  with more than 70 percent of people still driving beyond the age of 80.

 

Unfortunately, this also means older Australians are over-represented in fatal crash statistics, with recent national crash data indicating that of the 1,295 Australians killed on the roads in the past year, more than a fifth (294) were aged 65 or above. 

 

The good news is there is much older drivers can do to ensure their own safety and that of others when travelling from A to B. 

 

Before starting your engine


RACV Victoria recommends several driving habits to adopt to protect yourself and other road users. 

 

The motoring group says there are some changes that happen with age that can affect your ability to drive safely including changes to your eyesight and reaction times, increased use of medications, reduced physical mobility, and other medical conditions.

 

One of the first things you need to do is to check whether your licence is still valid and whether you need a medical assessment before legally being able to drive your car. 

 

Depending on the class of your licence, assessments are usually required at five-yearly intervals from the age of 70.

 

Having regular eye checks is also a good idea to ensure you have adequate vision to drive safely. If you require corrective lenses for driving, make sure you have them on before buckling up your seatbelt. 

 

It’s important to remember that road rules can change over time so ensure you stay up to date with the latest rules when travelling.

 

Ensuring you have the correct documentation and testing in place is only part of the issue, Transport NSW says. Next, you need to make sure you’re also in the right head space to get behind the wheel.

 

“The simplest mistakes, such as confusing the brake and accelerator pedals, can lead to serious crashes.  Before driving, ensure your seatbelt, park brake, seat position and pedal position are correct,” the Transport agency states.


 Mirrors, sensors, cameras and blind spots should be checked prior to starting your car to ensure you are aware of other road users and any potential hazards before pulling away.

 

Once on the road


 Being aware of your limitations and adjusting your driving habits accordingly is of vital importance, Transport NSW says, so giving yourself extra time to familiarise yourself with the route before setting off helps you avoid getting lost or making wrong turns.

 

Remember to drive to the conditions by slowing down in rain or fog. Force yourself to maintain a decent gap when travelling behind another vehicle to ensure you have time to respond to unexpected braking.

 

Transport NSW says another handy tip is to consider what time of the day you are travelling. It can be harder to see in the late afternoon sun and at night so it might pay to travel at times when your visibility is at its best and when there are fewer cars on the road. 


Always maintain vigilance


 Even if you feel confident driving, it is important to be on the lookout for changes to your driving skills.

 

If you become aware of changes early you then have the option to seek treatment to ensure you can continue safe driving for longer.

 

Remember too there might come a time when you are unable to drive. Knowing your options and planning for this eventuality can help when the time comes to hang up your keys. Most traffic authorities offer free online resources to help aid you in your decision making.


 Retiring from driving doesn’t automatically mean you have to give up your independence. Contact Just Better Care to discover how we can assist you to maintain your freedom with our transport support services.