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Older drivers are no real danger in traffic
Surely you've already heard that older people at the wheel pose a threat to the road. But is this statement really true? Researchers have now found out that older drivers are not at particular risk for road traffic. Older people never cause more serious accidents than young drivers.
Researchers at Swansea University found in an investigation that older drivers pose no particular hazard to road traffic. Older people are even less likely to be involved in traffic accidents than younger drivers. The experts published a press release on the results of their study.
Old people cause many car accidents. This is a widespread prejudice. But are old drivers really a danger to the road? Scientists have now conducted a study on this topic. (Image: auremar / fotolia.com) No special danger from older drivers
For example, old people see and hear worse and should therefore no longer be vehicle drivers, according to many people. Older drivers build more accidents and are a danger to the road. These are widespread benefits of society. These statements are not correct. Older people are by no means more dangerous or worse drivers, say the doctors.
Old drivers cause up to four times fewer accidents than young drivers
The analysis of data on road accidents has shown that drivers aged 70 years old cause three to four times fewer accidents than 17-21 year old men. Older drivers made the most mistakes when turning right and in overtaking maneuvers, explain the doctors. Younger drivers were more involved in incidents where they drove way too fast and then lost control of their vehicle.
Pressure from other road users pushes old people to mistakes
Common dangerous situations from older drivers are generally not a problem, explains Professor Charles Musselwhite of Swansea University. Older people are more likely to be involved in an accident than the safest drivers in the cohort study. However, the older drivers also cause fewer accidents than very young drivers. Older people tend to make more mistakes when under pressure from other road users. Nevertheless, the drivers with the most accidents are young men, say the authors. In fact, 17 to 21-year-old men are three to four times more likely to cause an accident than 70-year-old drivers.
Many older drivers make the same mistakes
Older and younger drivers are also involved in various types of accidents, say the scientists. Younger men often cause accidents that are triggered by excessive acceleration. The drivers then lose control of their vehicle. The consequences are usually severe. Although older drivers also lose control of their vehicle but usually with much lower impact, explain the authors. Older people are also more likely to be involved in accidents with other older drivers. This suggests that older drivers generally make quite similar mistakes.
Old people drive slower and more careful
Older drivers compensate for their declining skills by generally driving more cautious, explain the doctors. For example, these people drive slower and leave larger gaps. That could also have to do with a lack of risk-taking. Another study has already shown that older people are less willing to take risks due to brain changes. There have been discussions about traffic safety and retesting of older drivers. However, in other countries (Denmark, Australia) such programs for older drivers have not improved the results of accident statistics.
When should the driver's license be withdrawn??
The question under what circumstances elderly people should be deprived of their driving license is very complicated. Officials should conduct rigorous testing, especially on eye testing and monitoring the impact of prescription drugs, the researchers suggest. For many older people, driving a car will eventually become too expensive. You can no longer pay for the insurance of the vehicle. For this reason, those affected then have to give up driving a vehicle. This then creates a loss of independence, explain the experts.
Older people in rural areas need their driver's license
Of course, when conditions such as dementia or other health problems affect cognitive abilities, it also causes problems in traffic. Nevertheless, old people should not be deprived of driving license, explains Professor Musselwhite. Those affected often have to drive by car if there is no public transport in the area. Even though older people live in rural areas, a vehicle is more often needed to move.
Getting a driver's license can lead to depression
In addition, there is a psychological need for older people as to why they want to keep their driver's license. Older people explained that driving gives them a sense of freedom and mobility, the authors report. Older drivers continue to feel useful and can take on small tasks in the family. Getting a driving license can lead to depression and loss of mobility. (As)