The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
February 2008

About 370 words
Staying sharp for continued safe motoring

Thanks in part to healthy, active lifestyles, many seniors today remain safe, competent drivers well into their 70s and even 80s.

Most of us aim to be part of that group, but maintaining road safety later in life does require vigilance. Some studies show that on the basis of kilometres driven, older drivers actually get into about the same number of collisions as their 16- to 24-year-old counterparts.

“Making sure your own capabilities continue to measure up to the demanding requirements of driving becomes very important as we age,” says Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety for Manitoba Public Insurance. “And everyone ages differently, so it’s impossible to generalize about when you might see changes that require you to alter some of your driving practices.”

For most people, the skills needed for safe driving – vision, reflexes, flexibility and hearing – begin to deteriorate around age 55 with an even greater loss after 75.

Changes in ability can creep up gradually. For example, it might become more difficult to drive at night. Or perhaps certain situations, such as left-hand turns, start to create anxiety.

“To a certain extent people can use different strategies to adjust to their changing abilities, such as by avoiding busy routes, intersections or times of day,” Eden says.

“But if there is any doubt about your physical abilities it’s best to consult with a physician. You should have your eyesight tested regularly. And always make sure any medications you’re taking are safe to use while driving.”

Minor accidents, traffic tickets or warnings from police officers are all important signs that driving skills are deteriorating and that it’s time to take stock.

Safety Services Manitoba offers a one-day refresher for the aging driver called Mature Driver, which is sponsored by Manitoba Public Insurance. Participants emerge from the course with updated knowledge of traffic laws and road safety, as well as an increased level of confidence. To register for the course, or for more information, phone (204) 949-1085.

If you’re ever in doubt about your driving abilities, play it safe: phone a friend, a taxi, or take public transportation. For more information about safe driving for seniors, see the Manitoba Public Insurance website at www.mpi.mb.ca/english/rd_safety/VulnerableRoadUsers/older_wiser_drivers.html

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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance

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Sidebar: About 325 words
Seniors self-rating quiz

The Older Wiser Driver website, sponsored by Manitoba Public Insurance and the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat, features an online self-rating quiz to help you determine what areas of improvement you might have in your driving.

The full quiz, including electronic scoring of results, can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/shas/driver/index.html

Here is a sampling of the sorts of issues covered. Read through each of the following statements and ask yourself how closely they reflect your own experience.

  1. I signal and check to the rear when I change lanes.
  2. I wear a seatbelt.
  3. I try to stay informed on changes in driving and highway regulations.
  4. Intersections bother me because there is so much to watch from all directions.
  5. I find it difficult to decide when to join traffic on a busy highway.
  6. I think I am slower than I used to be in reacting to dangerous driving situations.
  7. When I am really upset, I show it in my driving.
  8. My thoughts wander when I am driving.
  9. Traffic situations make me angry.
  10. I get regular eye checks to keep my vision at its sharpest.
  11. I check with my doctor or pharmacist about the effect of my medications on driving ability.
  12. I try to stay abreast of current information on health practices and habits.
  13. My children, other family members or friends are concerned about my driving ability.
  14. I have had more than one traffic ticket, warning, or "discussion" with officers in the past two years.
  15. I have had one or more accidents during the past two years.

For a complete evaluation of your driving ability, many more questions would be required, along with medical, physical and licensing examinations. Nevertheless, your answers and score give some indication of how well you are doing and how you can become a safer driver.