As it turns out, it is driving carelessly that is is the most common reason elderly people are apprehended by police. Age should be no barrier to driving, as everyone makes mistakes, so why are older people so heavily represented in careless driving statistics?
Figures obtained under the Official Information Act show, that in the year to June 2015, 81 of the 132 apprehended elderly were in trouble for some form of careless driving. Careless driving can involve not giving way, driving cars not fit to be on
the road, travelling in the wrong lane, or speeding.
AA spokesman Liam Baldwin says as long as people are fit to do so and keen, there should be no barrier to driving, and that there are some New Zealanders older than 100 still regularly behind the wheel.
Ministry of Transport data still shows that drivers aged 15-19 are most likely to be in a crash, but that those older than 80 were next on the list. As there is going to be an increase in older people on the road as baby boomers age, it is an issue that need addressing.
Keeping a current drivers license is important for independence and to decrease social isolation and is one of the things that older people are most reluctant to relinquish. Thirty-five percent of older drivers surveyed by the AA said they would be frustrated if they lost their licence, while 28 per cent would feel isolated.
Mr Baldwin says that people should pay attention to any signs they may not be fit to drive, and discuss any issues with their GP in the first instance. “Ultimately, this is all about safety, and ensuring you are safe behind the wheel,” he says.
In New Zealand, you must renew their licence when you turn 75, then every two years once you turn 80. To do so, you need a medical certificate, which will include an eye test. If the doctor gives the all clear, your licence will be renewed. A doctor can put conditions on the licence, such as needing to wear corrective lenses or not travelling certain distances, or require people to take an on-road safety test.
Did you know?
• 81 drivers aged more than 80 were apprehended for careless driving in 2014/15: 81
• The oldest apprehended were two 95-year-olds, both charged with careless driving
• 3.38 million New Zealanders hold a car or motorcycle licence
• Of that number, 183,000 are over 75 years old