Gem Motoring Assist debunks myths around older drivers
Gem Motoring Assist has debunked the myth that older drivers are more dangerous behind the wheel that other motorists.
It says that although reaction times can slow with age, older drivers make up for it by taking more care on the road.
It points to findings from a study by Swansea University’s Centre for Innovative Ageing which shows that more mature road users are no more dangerous than other drivers.
GEM Motoring Assist said: “Age discrimination shapes how older persons are treated and perceived, nowhere more than on the road. There is a perception too widely held that older people are slow, dithery and downright dangerous, which is just not true.
“The study, prepared by researchers at Swansea University, showed that although reaction times may increase as people grow older, this is compensated by older drivers taking more care on road journeys.”
However, it does admit that driving behaviours can change as motorists get older and warns there are signs to watch out for. These include:
- Getting lost on familiar routes
- Near misses, or finding that other drivers often have to react to you
- Difficulty judging gaps, at junctions, roundabouts or when overtaking
- New dents or scrapes on the car.
Gem concluded: “As we grow older, it’s perfectly normal for our driving habits and skills to change. The important thing is to recognise these changes, especially the ones that may compromise safety, so that we can ensure we also take steps to reduce any risks. In that way, we will hopefully continue driving long into later life.”
