Driving gets harder as you get older: These are 7 mistakes older people make while behind the wheel

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Seniors drive much more regularly and defensively than other age groups, and the majority of people over the age of 65 sit behind the wheel. However, as age increases, some causes of accidents such as running off the road, violating the right of way or health problems also increase. We list some common mistakes that tend to increase with age.

The ability to drive is gradually decreasing, and the mandatory examinations starting from the age of 75 are no substitute for self-criticism. Anyone who honks their horn or is overtaken frequently should ask themselves and someone they trust: Am I still in shape? Tip: An hour-long driving instructor or refresher course (e.g. TCS) for seniors will keep your driving skills fresh. If in doubt, see a doctor this side of 75. Please only drive if you feel well and be careful if you are under the influence of drugs.

As we get older, we become clumsier and it becomes harder to turn our heads. Result: Instead of turning too much, you slowly turn too little and you miss the bike when turning right, for example, or the car in the blind spot when changing lanes. It doesn’t help, you have to turn your head. Tip: A newer car may provide assistance with Blind Spot Assist. Lane assist and collision avoidance assist, which sometimes intervene even when parking, are also useful.

One of the most important limitations in old age is related to vision. At intersections you tend to overlook others or underestimate their speed. Even from the age of 50, crossing a city at night in the rain can become much more challenging. Anyone who does not feel safe in such situations should avoid them. The same goes for driving during rush hour, on unknown routes, or on busy highways: If you feel stressed or worried about speeding, you should travel during off-peak hours or away from major traffic routes.

An 85-year-old driver’s knowledge of the rules dates back to the 1950s, and not all older drivers can stay up to date. Just three examples: At that time there were almost no intersections, and in 2021 two important innovations were introduced: passing on the right and the obligation to install zippers. Our advice: Follow the news even if you’re not interested in cars (see the What’s New mobile service section, for example).

Sensory abilities decrease with age: Not only older people, but especially older people tend to drive slowly. That’s okay, but please be considerate and make room. Anyone who drives slowly at all times is legally obliged to let them pass (stealing too slowly can even result in a fine). Tip: Do not accelerate again on the next straight, instead signal right and drive sideways or stop in a suitable place.

In general, there is less and less blinking (here are all the blinking rules). When older people are behind the wheel, this is often associated with slower reactions to situations and poorer coordination (for example, using the lever to signal at a roundabout while driving). Tip: It is better to blink too early than too late, and it is better to blink too often than too rarely; so others know what you are doing.

Especially in difficult situations, unsafe drivers tend to hold on to the vehicle in front. A kind of “fog effect”: Even in fog, we often unconsciously get too close due to uncertainty. However, the reaction slows down with age. Therefore, like the majority of older drivers, please always maintain a good distance and at least follow the two-second rule. And to anyone who finds defensive driving frustrating: practice tolerance. We are all getting older – every day.

Source: Blick