Age & driving

A guide to choosing the right car for the more mature.

As we get older in life we face unique challenges when it comes to driving. Don't worry, it's not like we are going to lose our ability to drive altogether, it's just that as mature drivers, we may begin to develop limitations that can significantly affect our driving capabilities.

When we think about our parents, grandparents and the cheering friends we may not necessarily consider that certain kinds of cars better suit the needs of mature drivers but they certainly do. Bigger vehicles like MVP’s (people carriers), vans, and trucks aren’t ideal for many older drivers because they’re more difficult to enter and exit, require more precision when manoeuvring and may not have the same safety features as many of the smaller options available on the roads.

There are several things to consider when it comes to choosing the right vehicle for a mature driver. Factors Affecting Driving Ability Certain consequences of aging can have a profound impact a person’s ability to drive. Some of these consequences may affect:   

 •    Height - It’s common knowledge that people become shorter as they grow older. Health conditions such as osteoporosis may play a role in this process. This can affect an older person’s ability to get in and out of their vehicle. Solution - Look for a vehicle with low sills and wider opening doors.
    
 •    Visibility - As we get older, we often lose some degree of visibility and may require glasses. Or in my case, glasses from a young age! Diminishing visibility can have a significant effect on depth perception, which is important when driving. Therefore, most countries require more frequent eye tests for older drivers. Solution - Vehicles with simple, LED or digital dials and road safety information are best. A lot of new models come with systems that will notify you of roadsigns with in the cabin. This is never miss a speed limit, junction or oncoming traffic warning sign again.   

 •    Hearing - As we get older, we may have a harder time hearing. You may think this doesn't affect our driving however, it all helps build our sense of awareness of things going on around us. Solution - Look for a vehicle that has visual warnings as well as those with sound. Vehicle blindspot awareness and parking sensors will often have is visual warning to accompany the sound.    

 •    Mental Health - As much as we don't want to think about it, certain mental health conditions such as the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s may inhibit a person’s ability to drive before it they are even aware they have it. Solution - The more autonomous aids, the better; automatic braking, collision systems, and rear cameras can help everyone avoid accidents. 
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I'm pleased to say that whether you are an older driver or not, the percentage of accidents on the roads continues to decrease. This is largely due to the ongoing commitment to the development of new technology from manufacturers all around the world. Therefore, we have to see a pic thank you!