Road safety for senior drivers
Verifying and maintaining physical fitness for driving
In order to continue driving, seniors in Quebec must have a medical examination and take a vision test and submit a certificate of completion at least six months before their 75th and 80th birthdays, and every two years thereafter.
Being able to drive is not a matter of age but of health. A healthy diet, good sleep, and regular exercise help seniors maintain and improve their well-being.
At any age, a comprehensive medical exam can reveal physical or mental problems that could affect driving ability. Healthcare professionals can also assess an individual’s decision-making skills, reaction time, muscle strength, and flexibility. A physician should also point out any potential side effects from new medications, especially as they relate to driving.
Psst!
Being able to drive is not a matter of age but of health. A healthy diet, good sleep, and regular exercise help seniors maintain and improve their well-being.
Know your (new) limits
Many older drivers voluntarily self-regulate by deciding to stop driving at night, in rush hour, or in bad weather and sticking to familiar routes.
Finding or adapting the right vehicle
Humans shrink as they age. By age 75, we may lose 3 in. (7.5 cm) in height, which is why it is so important to take time to make the proper vehicle adjustments between drivers, annually, or when driving a new car.
Making changes to an existing vehicle
The driver’s seat height must be adjusted for clear visibility in all directions.
The driver’s shoulders should be level with the top of the steering wheel, with the sternum at least 10 in. (25 cm) from the airbag.
Cars in all price ranges are equipped with adjustable shoulder harness anchor points for an ideal fit, regardless of the driver’s size. A sleeve over the diagonal belt can make it even more comfortable.
*Using adjustment clamps or straps to tighten the lap and diagonal belts is not recommended because they tend to raise the lap belt too high on the abdomen, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of an impact.
Especially the windows, both inside and out. Plastic particles suspended in the passenger compartment eventually build up and form a film on the windows that reduces visibility, especially at night. Regular cleaning every few months can prevent this. Headlights should also be cleaned so more light is projected onto the road.
Pedal extenders, steering wheel knobs, wide-angle rear-view mirrors, brake and accelerator hand controls, and other adaptive technologies may be useful for drivers with special needs. This kind of equipment has to be recommended by an occupational therapist, installed by a specialist, and inspected by SAAQ.
Choosing a new car for a senior
Avoid vehicles with wide roof pillars, which create blind spots on the sides of the car. Raised trunk covers and aerodynamic deflectors that block the view when reversing are also not recommended.
Letters, numbers, and symbols on gauges and controls should be easy to read in any light. Dashboard lighting should also be dimmed (but still readable) at night; it will make the road seem brighter.
The interior rear-view mirror must be able to be tilted to eliminate glare from the headlights of cars travelling behind. Some cars have auto-dimming mirrors, both inside and out, that automatically darken when exposed to bright headlights. These mirrors effectively reduce glare and significantly improve rear visibility.
Push-button controls and levers are easier for older drivers to use than knobs that require turning.
Can’t make most of these adjustments to your existing vehicle? Still have crank windows, manual locks, and other outdated features? You would most likely be safer and more comfortable in a newer vehicle.
Preparation is key
Driving is a demanding activity. At the very least, before getting behind the wheel, every driver should make sure they are fit to drive (mentally and physically), get their vehicle road-ready, and make a mental road map
Streets and routes
Choosing certain streets can make driving a whole lot easier for seniors.
Obviously it’s easier to see other road users and the road itself when a road is well-lit.
Go through the intersection and around the block by making three right turns instead of turning left. It may take a few extra seconds to get to your destination, but at least you’ll get there safely.
Road signs, signals, and pavement markings must be clearly visible. Unfortunately this is not always the case!
Opt for destinations that are easy to navigate and where parking isn’t a challenge.
Although statistics show thatdriving on the highway is safer than driving on secondary roads, many people don’t feel comfortable in such fast-paced conditions.
“Before going anywhere, I make a mental road map of my itinerary: which route I’ll take, which lanes I’ll drive in. I think through the entire trip so I can take the safest and most efficient route to my destination. That way I know what I’m doing in advance, so I know what to expect and what to do when I’m behind the wheel.”
— C. Berthiaume
Refresher courses
The Highway Safety Code is being amended and new signs and signals are being added to better reflect the new realities on the road. A refresher course is an opportunity for senior drivers to brush up on their skills and knowledge and also learn new techniques to offset the effects of aging.
Do you need personalized advice for your vehicle?
Our Mobility Advisory Services specialists can answer your questions about vehicles of all kinds. Feel free to ask for their input, maintenance advice or a list price. It’s just one of the benefits of membership, and there’s no limit to the number of calls you can make.
