Older or Mature drivers in traffic
As people get older their ability to react reduces but their knowledge of the road and different scenarios increased overtime. Caution, consideration and respect should always be shown to older drivers especially in certain age groups
Different age of elderly drivers
Age effects us all. Some more then others. We need our sense to work properly and our brain to process information quickly and correctly. At certain ages these functions start to deteriorate
- 65–74 years old: This age group drives more safely than 18 to 19-year-olds since they have greater maturity and traffic experience.
- They drive safer then 18-19 year olds
- Their reaction time might be reduced
- Their ability to process lots of information reduced
- 75 years old+: Their functioning of the brain is impaired and starts to work slower
- 5–6 times higher accident risk, (Same as 18-19 year olds)
- Reaction time will be reduced
- Ability to process lots of information will be reduced
- Understand their shortcomings and the avoid difficult driving scenarios. They tend to drive when its not so busy or very dark
Impacted senses and reasoning
- Sight
- Hearing
- Balance
- Touch
- Smell
- Reaction Time
- Situational understanding (Brain processing)
- Risk level if calculated incorrectly
Elderly people crossing the road
Old people will sometimes cross the road. Its important to show consideration to them as they cannot walk as fast as younger people
Consider the following
- Dont wave on a older person to cross the road: They might feel that they need to hurry up and they can trip and fall if they walk faster
- Older people will usually wave at you to keep driving: Reason for this is that they can cross the road when their is not alot of cars that will put pressure on them
- Dont crawl towards the pedestrian crossing: . This will put pressure on them
- Show consideration and care: Old people might be difficult to hear and see. Thus dont rev the car or play loud music when you see they are about to cross the road
