Dr Randall states that older drivers are more at risk in a crash, as they’re more vulnerable to injury than younger people are. When a child or younger adult falls on their hip, for instance, they may not suffer a fracture because their bones are pretty strong. But when an elderly person has a similar type of fall they can have a nasty hip fracture because their bones are thinner and weaker, and that can be very serious and leave them unable to walk properly again. In the same way, they are more likely to have serious injuries in a road crash, especially if they are generally frail.

However, Dr Randall says that when it comes to risk of causing crashes, older drivers are not necessarily more dangerous than younger ones. They often have many years of driving experience and have witnessed crashes or even been involved in crashes, in a way that gives them some wisdom and insight and makes them less likely to take risks. Even so, the Centre for Disease Control in the USA notes that drivers over 70 do have higher crash rates in that country, compared to drivers aged 35-54, and they do more frequently die in a crash than do younger drivers.  

Dr Randall adds that, having said that, there are definitely some risks presented on the road by older drivers. As we age, we may develop problems with seeing or hearing, take longer to read road signs or be more affected by glare or dim light. We can also experience changes in how we function physically, like stiff joints or muscles (making us less flexible when it comes to movements like turning our heads) or arthritic hands with weak grip on the steering wheel. We may also find that we have a decrease in our abilities to reason and remember, judge situations and make quick decisions, or solve problems as we encounter them. All of those things can affect our driving style and safety.  Also, older people are more likely to be taking medications – sometimes a whole combination of different medications – which can impair them behind the steering wheel. Elderly drivers lose muscle bulk and are generally weaker and have less stamina than younger drivers, with the result that they may get tired much faster even with shorter journeys. 

You can listen to the full conversation here:

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