How your health can affect your driving

With advancements in medical science happening all the time, we are healthier and living longer than ever before. 

It also means more people are licensed to drive for longer, which is wonderful news since the independence and freedom that driving a car brings to us is life-enhancing and a privilege that we should never take for granted. 

While senior drivers do not have as many crashes as some other age groups, you are more at risk of being seriously injured or killed if involved in a crash that is due to age-related physical vulnerabilities. 

Your ability to drive safely can be affected by natural changes to your bodies as you age; senior drivers are more likely to have some level of physical or cognitive impairment that leads to a reduction in some driving skills. 

It is critically important that senior drivers are aware of and accept the physical changes that come with ageing.

Important tips to continue driving safely as you age:

• Monitor your health and identify any medical issues early through regular check-ups with your doctor. 

• Have your eyesight, hearing and reflexes checked regularly. 

• Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist that your medication (or interaction between multiple medications you take) does not put you or others at risk while driving. 

• If you have a disability, medical condition, or injury, it is important to ask your doctor or health professional how it could affect your ability to drive safely. 

And remember:

• If you do not feel well, avoid driving altogether - use another sort of transport if you need to travel someplace.

• If driving causes you discomfort or pain, avoid driving and seek advice or treatment from a health professional immediately.