Older Road Users

A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR

I’m delighted to introduce this excellent ‘Good Egg’ guide for older drivers and pedestrians, which is packed full of valuable information and advice to help reduce the risk of injury when out and about.

As we get older the likelihood of being injured on the road increases so it’s helpful to become more aware of the potential hazards and how to avoid them.

This guide includes information such as how to keep vehicles in good condition for driving and helping ensure precious grandchildren are safe when transporting them, through to understanding how some medicines might affect driving and the sometimes thorny issue of when might be the right time to stop driving.

The guide explores other great modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport, which are always worth considering. My work on behalf of the UK government in relation to fitness to drive shows just how important this information is and I’m sure you will find it very useful indeed.

Best wishes

Dr Carol Hawley, Principal Research Fellow, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick

Welcome

Welcome to the third publication in our series of Good Egg Guides dedicated to providing helpful advice on key safety issues.

We are turning the spotlight on the common problems we may all encounter as a driver and pedestrian as we get older.

There's no getting away from the fact that advancing years may bring a degree of deterioration in our ability to perform some everyday tasks that we have previously taken for granted.

With this in mind, this booklet has been written to provide some valuable food for thought on the practical steps we can take to maintain our vibrancy – whether behind the wheel, stepping out on foot or getting out and about by bike or bus.

As with our other Good Egg Guides, all the material in this booklet has been thoroughly researched and tested for the reassurance of accurate, up-to-date information and advice you can really trust.

So please read on...

Con t ent s

Introduction

Section 1 - Driver safety

The facts

Top tips

Car maintenance

Health, medicines & mobility

Winter driving

Child car seats

Choosing when to stop

Section 2 - Pedestrian safety

The facts

Top tips

Eyesight, medicines & mobility

Wise walking

Section 3 - Bike or bus safety

Pedal power

Public transport

Where to get further information

I was turning right at a junction, carefully looking out for cars coming both ways. That's probably why I didn't notice the cyclist coming. Luckily, he managed to stop just in time, but he wasn't best pleased. I've always had good eyesight and only usually wear glasses for reading. Nearly pulling out on the cyclist really shook me up, so I had my eyes tested and now I've got another pair just for driving, which has really made all the difference.

Driver safety

Behind the wheel

Older drivers are safer drivers - and that’s official! Experience counts. That's the conclusion of new research from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) which shows that, contrary to popular belief, older drivers are no more likely to cause a collision than anyone else and we are, in fact, 'considerably safer' than younger motorists.

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To be fair, this is partially because we tend to use our cars less, drive shorter distances along quieter routes and avoid motorway driving wherever possible.

We also, however, show greater wisdom in assessing risks and are far less likely to break speed limits or drive under the influence of drink or illegal drugs. So we are safer drivers... it’s official!

Did you know...

Over the next 20 years, the number of female drivers aged over 70 is set to triple, while male drivers aged over 70 will double.

Deaths and serious injuries among older drivers are falling, although not quite as much as in other groups.

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Before we get complacent...

While we may feel safe enough now, what happens when the potential effects of advancing age creep up on us? As we all will recognise, eyesight and hearing can deteriorate and we may experience a general slowing down in our reaction times.

Drivers over 85 are four times more likely to contribute directly to a collision than be involved through no fault. This can occur by driving much slower than the posted speed limit, for example, which can trigger rash overtaking by increasingly impatient drivers following behind.

Our driving ability is also more likely to be affected by medication and even very small amounts of alcohol, simply because loss of fat and muscle as we get older reduces our tolerance levels.

Older drivers are also two-and-a-half times more likely to be killed in a collision compared to drivers in their 40s due to our increased frailty and other age-related factors which may affect driving ability.

So much for the bad news. The good news is that there are many things we can do to adapt our driving to the challenges of advancing age and ensure we stay fit and healthy on the roads for longer!

My daughter's always going on about how I should think about giving up driving at my age. To prove her point, she booked me on an assessment course for older drivers.

I passed with flying colours, but the examiner pointed out some weaknesses which affect most older drivers and these are the things I know I have to be more aware of in the future.

10 Top tips

for safer driving

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Have eyesight tested regularly - as failing sight can be a gradual process and may go unnoticed, it's important to have an eyesight test at least once a year. This will not only ensure that the right glasses or contact lenses are used for driving, but also flag up common age-related vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, which can greatly reduce the ability to see clearly; especially when driving at night or in bad weather conditions.

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Impaired hearing? - if a hearing aid is normally worn at home, it should also always be worn when driving. Any kind of sensory loss can lead to feelings of confusion and disconnection with surroundings.

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3 3

Driving safely at night - when driving at night, the first rule is to wear an up-to-date pair of distance glasses or contact lenses recommended by an optometrist. Never wear tinted lenses such as red or amber as they can filter out traffic lights, brake lights and indicators of cars in front. Make sure headlights, brake lights and indicators are all working and don't forget to keep the windscreen clean and clear, both inside and out.

Avoid distractions - powers of concentration can decrease with age, so it’s helpful to avoid distractions when driving, especially when negotiating busy junctions. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, and even using hands-free can distract attention away from the road ahead and traffic conditions at the time.

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Plan a route - this is particularly important when driving to an unfamiliar destination and you don't know the road. Even when driving close to home, it’s best to take extra care at busy roundabouts, turning right at road junctions or joining moving traffic from a slip road as these are when collisions are most likely to occur. When travelling greater distances to unfamiliar places, a satellite navigation system (SATNAV) can be really useful. This inexpensive accessory can help remove much of the stress in driving.

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Know your limitations - we should own up to certain driving activities that are not quite as easy as they used to be. If you start experiencing problems such as difficulty in gripping the steering wheel or working other controls, you should ask your doctor to refer you to an occupational therapist who might suggest particular aids and accessories to help make driving easier. Consideration also has to be given to passengers – precious grandchildren, family and friends – and being aware of the dangers if ignored.

Keep physically active - daily physical activity like walking, cycling or swimming help keep joints supple and will improve strength and flexibility. This can help address common problem areas such as turning the steering wheel or looking over your shoulder. Regular exercise also helps to sharpen mental agility and powers of concentration, which is a real bonus!

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Drive defensively - reflexes can slow down as we get older, often without us being aware of it, so it can be helpful to allow a little more time and space to react to any unexpected situations. It’s good to keep speed down and adopt defensive driving tactics such as leaving plenty of room from the car in front.

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Update driving skills - the motoring scene has changed beyond recognition since most of us passed our test, so it can be beneficial to take a refresher course designed to help us enhance our driving skills and knowledge of the law. Not only will this help reduce the possibility of being involved in a collision, but we may also get a handy discount on our car insurance policy. Refresher courses are now available through most driving schools as well as respected national organisations such as the IAM and RoSPA. The Road Safety Team at your Local Authority can also provide further advice.

Mobility problems? - the Forum of Mobility Centres can provide free advice on simple and inexpensive adaptations you can make to your car to help make driving easier and safer. You may also qualify for parking concessions available to disabled drivers and passengers under the Blue Badge Scheme. For further information visit: www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

Car Maintenance

How safe is your car?

When driving an older car, it may not have all the safety features of more recent models. It might exclude power steering, anti-lock braking, air bags and even air conditioning, which helps to keep us alert on hot summer days as well as keep windscreens and interior windows mist-free in winter. These features can all help to make driving more pleasurable and certainly a lot safer.

It might be a good time to trade up to a more up-to-date model. New-style larger dashboard dials, for example, can be much easier to read – especially at night – and powered windows, wing mirrors and door locks can be helpful too.

Some drivers assume that an automatic car could be a better option and while this may be the case for some, there is evidence that switching from manual can be tricky. Unfamiliarity can make it all too easy to hit the wrong pedal at the wrong time, so it might be best to stick with what you’re used to.

A well maintained car is a safer car. So...

You should get your car professionally serviced at least once a year.

It’s important to keep a regular eye on oil, coolant and brake fluid levels.

It’s good to check tyre pressure every time you fill up with fuel.

You should never let the tyre tread drop down to the 1.6mm limit. It may still be legal but experts agree stopping power is reduced.

Act on any dashboard warning signals quickly.

Keep the washer bottle fully topped up and change wipers at the first sign of smearing.

Check that all the lights are clean and working both front and rear.

For further information on car maintenance please visit: www.rac.co.uk

Health, medicines & mobility

Managing health and medicines

Certain prescribed or over-the-counter medicines can affect our ability to drive safely. Everyday remedies such as cough medicines, cold and flu treatments, painkillers, antihistamines and even certain eye drops can all potentially cause drowsiness behind the wheel.

The combined effect of taking more than one medication can also seriously affect driving ability even though each may be harmless on their own.

So it’s best to ask your pharmacist or GP to check that they are safe to take while driving and, if not, whether they can recommend a safer alternative. As the purpose of medication is often to suppress symptoms, consideration will also be given to the effect on your driving if they are stopped.

Drivingoncertain medicines can be badforyourhealth

Driving while impaired due to the use of medicinal drugs is against the law and subject to exactly the same legal penalties as those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs or over the alcohol limit. This can include a fine of up to £5000, loss of licence and, potentially, prison!

Remember too that tolerance levels may decrease as we get older so mixing even a minimal amount of alcohol with any kind of medication before driving can be a lethal combination.

Always checking first with your GP or pharmacist will bring peace of mind.

Did you know...

It is a legal requirement to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) of any disability or medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely.

These include:

Dementia Diabetes

Epilepsy

Stroke

Any heart condition

Loss of mobility in any limb

Don’t be alarmed, however, this does not necessarily mean that you will have to give up driving forever. Working closely with your doctor to manage the condition, you may be able to continue driving for years to come.

If this is not the case, then it will be for your own safety and that of other road users if your doctor decides that you should no longer drive. As you shall see, there are other great modes of transport suggested further on in this booklet.

Winter driving

Brrrrright ideas to beat the worst of the weather

We may have all driven through many winters, however, experience is sadly not enough to ensure our safety at this time of year. In extreme weather conditions, you should probably ask yourself whether your journey is absolutely essential.

If you do have to travel, then allowing more time for your journey and making sure someone knows your planned route and expected time of arrival is really helpful.

With internet access, you can also plan your route with the help of motoring organisations such as the National Highways, Transport Scotland or Traffic Wales depending on where you are travelling to. Using this information to map out your route can help avoid minor roads that may not have been treated for ice and snow.

Comparing different weather sites on the web is helpful before setting off so you can get a good idea of the conditions along your route.

A satellite navigation system (SATNAV) can help you identify your exact location if you get stuck and keeping a fully charged mobile phone is essential if you need to summon assistance.

Get an area weather report at www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather

For further information on winter driving please visit: www.olderpersonsroadsafety.com

Winter checklist

Keep in the boot

tow rope spare bulbs a shovel puncture repair kit

Carry in the car*

de-icer and scraper first aid kit

working torch fully charged mobile phone fire extinguisher warm clothes any medication you need to take regularly

jack and spare wheel jump leads high visibility jacket wellington boots

map car blanket plenty to eat (including a chocolate or high energy bar) thermos flask containing a hot drink or soup sunglasses to help counteract the glare in snowy conditions

* Please remember to secure any items in the car to avoid them potentially hitting you in a collision.

Child car seats

Protecting our little loved ones...

If transporting children, it is vitally important that the car is equipped with the right child car seat for the weight, height and age of each child.

Equally important is to ensure that each seat is the right one for the make and model of your car and that it is correctly fitted. Not all child car seats will fit all cars so it’s essential that you check first.

If the seat is new, you should insist the retailer demonstrates how to fit it properly. If they can’t then it might be better to buy a seat from someone who can.

If it is not new then you need to be certain that it’s not been involved in a collision (which can weaken its structure and effectiveness) and ensure the instructions are easy to follow.

Choosing when to stop

Why giving up doesn’t mean giving in

Although UK driving licences expire when we reach 70, this doesn’t necessarily reflect the end of our driving career. It simply means that we will need to renew our licence every three years.

There may come a time when you notice your reactions becoming slower or you might start to feel increasingly anxious when out on the road. And, as hard as it might be, if your loved ones start expressing concern about your driving then maybe it’s time to consider what they are trying to say. They do, after all, have your interests at heart.

This doesn’t mean giving up your independence, however – far from it! There can be many advantages to a life without wheels. We can all save a small fortune on running and repair costs, not to mention the cash we could pocket when we sell the car.

Getting out and about on foot or cycling can be invigorating and give a new lease of life. This is also when a bus pass comes in handy with the added bonus that you are doing your bit towards a cleaner environment for the benefit of all.

The LawWhen to stop driving

With dementia – worsening memory and judgement may be such that it becomes dangerous to drive. Your GP can provide advice.

You would need to stop driving if your eyesight deteriorated below the minimum legal requirement of being able to read a standard-sized number plate from the required

My dog's getting on a bit too but she still needs her evening walk. I bought her a reflective collar which not only helps us both be seen on the street but also gives me a better idea of what she's getting up to when I let her off the lead in the park.

Pedestrian safety

Stepping out for health and vitality

and keeping safe...

Walking is a great form of exercise and provides many benefits; it’s free, it’s gentle on the body, it helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and strokes and lowers blood pressure. It’s also excellent for controlling weight, improving flexibility and for keeping everyone looking and feeling good – a big plus!

No matter what age, or current level of fitness, everyone can benefit from exercise. It’s important to keep it up, however, as there is strong evidence to show that if we don’t, increasing frailty will result.

Loss of mobility can also result from a lack of regular excercise. A National Travel Survey found that half of men and over three quarters of women over 80 reported physical problems that made outdoor walking more challenging.

While walking is important it should be noted that slower walking speeds can put you more at risk when crossing the road. Extra care should be taken on busier roads when there are not enough lengthy gaps in the traffic or the time given by the ‘green man’ signal feels too short at pedestrian crossings.

Did you know...

Walking accounts for just under 25% of all journeys and nearly 80% of journeys are less than a mile.

In urban areas, people over 70 make more journeys as a pedestrian than as a driver.

Effects of speed

Pedestrians over 60 years old

40mph 98% killed

30mph 50% killed

20mph 5% killed

2 2

DFT Research - Project: The Older Pedestrian

Worsening eyesight can also make it more difficult to detect and identify moving objects, especially in poor light.

Any hearing loss can affect balance and increase the risk of a fall, as well as making it harder to detect the noise of approaching vehicles. Also, any restricted head and neck movements can narrow our field of vision.

These are just a few of the physical challenges which might put us at greater risk of injury, so it’s important that we are honest with ourselves about any physical shortcomings so we can take them into consideration when out and about.

Some pelican and puffin crossings don’t have the audible ‘BEEP BEEP’ sound to highlight when the ‘green man’ is on. Instead they have a cone at the base of the push button unit. When the ‘green man’ is showing, the cone starts to rotate instead, which is useful if you are hard of hearing or have difficulty with vision.

I really enjoy my daily trips round the shops, but what happened to my friend Joan has made me think twice.

She was behind a van, waiting to cross the street. The driver couldn't see her in his mirrors so he started reversing and ... whack! He heard the thump and, thankfully, stopped before it was too late. She was lucky to get away with bruises and broken ribs, but it's all taking a very long time to heal and she's now a bit scared about going out again.

10 Top tips

to stepping out on the right foot

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Plan your journey - with a little route planning before setting out, it’s possible to cut down the number of times you have to cross busy roads. This will help avoid potentially dangerous traffic situations such as busy road junctions.

3 3 4 4

Wear brighter clothing - all pedestrians are more at risk in the dark or bad weather due to poor visibility. Dark clothing can make it difficult for drivers to see us.

Wearing something bright, or at the very least, carrying something bright, will help drivers to see you more easily. It doesn’t have to be highly fluorescent, although that’s preferable.

Choose a good time to go out - it’s better to avoid going out or coming back during rush hours when the traffic is particularly heavy. It’s also best to stick to daylight hours when possible.

Cross where it’s safest - An alarming number of pedestrians are tragically knocked down and killed within sight of a pedestrian crossing, so it’s worth the small effort to use one.

If you aren’t near one, find somewhere where there’s a good view of the traffic and no vehicles are obscuring your view. It’s also wise to cross where there are bright street lights at night to increase visibility.

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Stay alert to traffic conditions - we all need to take care when crossing the road as it’s easy to misjudge speed. Look for long gaps in the traffic and don’t be guided by speed limit signs as cars may be travelling much faster.

As it’s more difficult to judge the speed of smaller moving objects such as cycles and motorbikes, it’s vital to take an extra look for them before stepping out.

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Be careful when stepping out from behind parked vehicles - you’d be shocked to know just how many pedestrians are knocked down by doing just that.

It’s essential to always find a clear space to cross.

If one isn’t available, then check there are no drivers in the cars you pass between in case they suddenly pull out or reverse.

Expect the unexpected - traffic does not always behave as we expect it to!

For example, a vehicle might suddenly turn right in front of you, without warning. It’s important for us all as pedestrians to remain vigilant.

It may be helpful to make eye contact with the driver if they are signalling to let you cross and not just rely on the flash of their headlights.

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Give yourself plenty of time - we may not be quite as quick as we used to be, so it’s a lot less stressful to allow a little more time when out and about. It’s when you hurry that you’re more likely to trip and potentially get hurt.

That’s why it’s so important to cross at designated pedestrian crossing areas such as zebra and pelican crossings where traffic from both directions will be stopped by lights.

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Bus lanes and shared spaces - remember that some bus lanes can also be used by taxis, motorbikes and cyclists, so it’s important not just to look out for approaching buses as that may divert your attention from other vehicles heading your way! Take care when walking in shared spaces like footpaths and cycle lanes as it’s almost impossible to hear a bicycle approaching from behind.

Watch out for blind spots - we can all find ourselves in a situation where there is stationary or queuing traffic and it might appear safe to cross. If the traffic starts to move, however, the drivers might be concentrating on other things and not see us until it’s too late.

It’s especially important therefore, NEVER to cross in front of a queuing HGV vehicle. This is because you are likely to be hidden in its blind spot and the driver might pull forward without seeing you. Because of the weight of the vehicle, it’s likely to cause serious or even fatal injuries.

Eyesight, medicines and mobility

We’re only as old as we feel...

While getting older doesn’t mean that we can’t remain fit, active and healthy, there are inevitably some limitations that eventually come with age and it helps if we can manage these effectively, as and when they arise.

For example, eyesight can deteriorate fairly rapidly so it’s good to get your eyes tested at least once a year to see if you need any changes to your glasses or contact lenses, if you use them. Testing will also help detect age-related conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts which can normally be easily treated if picked up early enough.

When wearing glasses around the house, you need to make sure you always wear them outdoors as well, whether driving, walking or cycling. The same rule applies to any hearing aids as we all need to keep fully alert in today’s busy traffic environment.

You should know what medication you are on and be aware of any possible side effects it might have that could affect your balance and judgement. Your GP is there to advise.

Similarly, you should tell your pharmacist about any prescribed medicines you are taking before buying additional medicines over the counter because mixing two or more medicines together can affect both your physical mobility and mental agility.

Wise walking

Steps to take when we are out and about

Many might assume that the most dangerous time for pedestrians is during winter when there’s snow and ice. In actual fact, a similar level of injuries can occur during spring, summer and autumn because we tend to go out more in warmer weather.

Most fatalities among older pedestrians are highest between 9am and 3pm when many choose to go out. Fatalities are also most likely to occur near the home, so it’s important to remain vigilant, even in familiar locations.

Whatever the time of year, it’s always useful to check the weather forecast for the day ahead as it can be unpredictable and the last thing you want is to get caught out by a sudden change in the weather.

In late October when the clocks go back, it can become more dangerous while drivers adjust to the darker driving conditions as they may not see you.

When winter comes, it’s good to wrap up. We can all end up spending longer outdoors than expected and there’s nothing more miserable than being chilled to the bone. Wearing sensible shoes is helpful for keeping warm and having good grips underneath will reduce the chance of slipping over.

Stocking up on provisions is really useful to limit the number of times you need to go out during extreme weather conditions.

DfT June 2004: University of Warwick 3

I love getting around on my new bike and feel much more confident after taking advantage of free cycle classes from my local council. I feel fitter, made new friends and saved a lot of money too!

Section 3

Bike and bus safety

Getting around by bike or bus

More people of all ages are getting on their bikes these days – not only for convenience and as a way of saving money but also as a great way of staying fit and active.

A bicycle supports the body so it’s good for those with certain bone and joint problems and it also offers many other benefits. Cycling can help with improving co-ordination, mobility and strength as well as raising self-esteem. In fact, it can contribute to an overall feeling of wellbeing.

Whether an absolute beginner or taking up cycling again after a long break, it’s important to get professional training before going out on the road. Things may have changed a bit since you were last in the saddle.

Local Authorities can advise on the availability of any free training courses suitable for adults. It’s also easy to find an approved instructor through the Bikeability website www.bikeability.org.uk

It’s important to choose a bike that will suit your needs and the riding you plan to do. Living in a hilly area, an electric assisted bike may be suitable – or if you feel nervous of two wheels – go for a trike! Visit a good cycle shop to get the best advice.

And, for that extra motivation, it’s good to know that regular cyclists can enjoy fitness levels equal to that of a person ten years younger.

Pedal power

4 World Health Organisation Europe ‘Move for Health’

5 National Forum for Coronary Heart Disease Foundation, Sharp.

Cycling safety

Be alert - Always be aware of what’s going on around you. Look out for pedestrians, other vehicles (especially when turning left) and vehicles coming out of side streets and driveways. Lorries have a number of blind spots where cyclists effectively become invisible. It’s really important to remember NOT to cycle up the left-hand side of a lorry which has stopped at a junction and to never stop just in front of a stationary lorry.

Be seen - It’s important to wear a properly fitted helmet and to wear bright or reflective clothing. It also helps other road users to see you if you add reflective strips to your jacket and any rucksack you might carry. Remember to use lights when it starts to get darker!

Be confident and communicate - You need to be able to look behind without wobbling and should try to cycle assertively. It is recommended to make eye contact with other road users before pulling out or making a manoeuvre – you need to be sure it’s safe to move off. Always signal your intention to other road users. If the road feels too busy you can get off and walk, especially if there is a crossing to help.

Be secure - Use a good lock such as a D lock when securing your bike and always in well lit, busy areas. The back wheel and frame needs to be secured to a bike rack.

Cycle training will cover all of the above and much more so it’s highly recommended.

View the ‘Exchanging places’ video which demonstrates the different perspectives of lorry drivers and cyclists. www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN7mJR64tvs

Public transport

Putting our trust in the bus

Buses are a great way of getting around, are a cheaper alternative to taking the car and better for the environment. They can also be good for socialising and meeting new people.

Bus passes make them a particularly attractive option!

Here are a few useful tips when travelling by bus:

Always use the handrails when stepping on and off a bus. If you have any difficulty, it’s worth asking the driver if they can lower the floor as some buses have that option.

Take advantage of the priority seats at the front of the bus. If they’ve been taken by someone younger then you should have the confidence to ask them politely to move.

It’s important to not feel pressured to rush. Feel free to ask the driver if they will remain stationary until you are seated before they move off.

It’s best not to travel with too many bags as these can prevent you from holding the handrails and become cumbersome. A shopping trolley is a safer and easier option.

When you want to get off, it’s perfectly fine to remain seated until the bus comes to a complete standstill.

Where to get further information

We hope you have found this guide helpful and you can use the tips to help you stay safe on our roads. For further information please contact:

enquiries@olderpersonsroadsafety.com

We would like to thank the Positive Ageing Group in Lewisham for their valuable input into the development of this guide.

Also we would like to thank the following people for their expertise and support:

Dr Carol Hawley, Principle Research Fellow and Director of the Transport and Research

Rehabilitation Research Unit (TRRU)

Liz Brooker MBE, Road Safety Manager, London Borough of Lewisham and Former Chair of Eurocities and Road Safety GB, Mobility Forum’s Road Safety Working Group

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research, IAM