Forget the angry remonstrations of impatient motorists who shake their heads or fists, or tailgate you on the highways and byways of this great country … new research suggests that it is actually their behaviour that is the real safety issue.
A British study has found that drivers aged 70 are involved in 3-4 times fewer accidents than 17-21 year old men. And the data reveals that, when older drivers do make mistakes, it is often because they feel under pressure from other road users.
The research from Swansea University found that while young men are more likely to be involved in single vehicle incidents, usually caused by speeding and losing control, older people tend to have smaller impact collisions. It also found that older women are more likely to have small accidents when doing tight manouvres.
And mature-aged people are also more likely to be involved in accidents involving other older drivers, suggesting they make similar errors.
Charles Musselwhite, associate professor of gerontology at Swansea University’s Centre for Innovative Ageing told the BBC that older drivers compensate for their physical frailities and declining powers by driving more carefully, slowing down, leaving larger gaps, and choosing better weather and quieter times to go out in the car.
The research seems to fly in the face of calls here in Australia to see older drivers taken off the roads. Earlier this year, NSW Assistant police commissioner, John Hartley, caused great controversy when he said people over 70 should not be allowed to drive at all.
Prof Musselwhite insists that, while there are conditions such as dementia or other health problems that affect cognitive skills, denying old people a driving licence should not be taken lightly. Particularly, he said, as mobility and freedom of movement are closely linked to physical and mental wellbeing.
Looking ahead, he said that driverless cars could well be a promising development for future elderly cohorts.
Perhaps a better question is
Are you still a safer / better driver than those under 25s
I wouldn’t say I was a better driver now but I have slowed down a little and that makes me a safer driver.
I have slowed down, travel for less time each day and take regular breaks which I never used to do.