the driver's handbook

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d R I V E R S A N d L I C E N S I N G
5. Do you feel you are reacting to dangerous
driving situations later than you used to do?
The only acceptable answer is never. Emergencies and dangerous
driving situations may be fairly uncommon, but early and safe
reactions are essential.
Older drivers take more time to integrate information from
several sources at once, and therefore may respond more
slowly in dangerous situations.
We are all subject to the physical and psychological changes of
ageing. Some of these changes can adversely affect driving capability
unless we adapt to the changes. We need to make changes, such
as keeping a larger distance from the vehicle in front when driving in
traffic, which will help you to continue to drive safely.
Arthritic joints and tight muscles contribute to increasing your reaction
time. Joint flexibility and muscle strength also diminish with age. But
there are steps that most drivers can take to improve their response
to dangerous situations.
The Driver’s Handbook
Suggestions:
• Keep physically fit and mentally alert. Avoid driving if you are tired,
ill, or have taken any drug (including alcohol) that will slow your
mental or physical responses. Ask your doctor or chemist if you
are unsure.
• Exercise to help maintain or increase the flexibility of your joints
and your muscular strength.
• If joint and muscle impairments are serious, investigate medical
and surgical therapies. Anti-inflammatory drugs and various
surgical procedures, including total joint replacement, will in some
cases reduce impairment sufficiently to permit safer driving.
• Fitting devices such as power steering, power brakes, power
seats and wide rear-view mirrors to your vehicle can help to
compensate for any loss of flexibility, strength or movement.
• Take some refresher driving lessons with a local driving school
where you can learn to anticipate and avoid dangerous situations.
• If possible, avoid driving in busy, complex and fast-moving traffic.
6. Do you wear a seatbelt?
You must always wear a properly fitted and adjusted seatbelt.
Regardless of your age, you are always safer with a seatbelt on. This
is why the law has no age exemption for seatbelt use. Seatbelts must
be properly worn to give you maximum protection.