“Nothing wrong with my driving but they were all over the road!”
Everyone wants to maximise their chances of remaining healthy for as long as possible. The evidence clearly shows that exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and controlling blood pressure are all key factors. However, there is another major risk that we often choose to ignore. The chance of having a significant injury due to a road traffic accident is something we accept but we rarely reflect on the fact that this risk increases considerably for drivers over 80 yrs old.
You have to renew your driving license every three years from age 70, however, there is no test that you have to take. There are clear rules about how long you cannot drive after suffering from a heart attack or a stroke. If you have had abdominal surgery the guidance is that you can return to driving once you feel ready to do so and can safely perform an emergency stop. However, there is no set age when a person must legally stop driving. Each of us is personally responsible for making sure that each time we get behind the wheel we are fit to drive the car.
Eyesight gets worse as we get older, either as a natural part of ageing or because we develop an eye disease. Cataracts initially cause problems with night time driving due to distorted glare from oncoming headlights. Glaucoma is an increase pressure within the eyeball that can affect peripheral vision. This is essential for driving and so everyone with glaucoma must inform the DVLA and ensure they attend their Ophthalmology appointments.
Problems with hearing will affect someone’s ability to hear important noises, such as car horns or sirens and is perhaps less recognised as a significant driving risk. Pain and problems with mobility may make it more difficult for someone to use parts of the car such as pulling the handbrake, using the footbrake or moving their head to check their side mirrors. We all recognise that reflexes, coordination and speed of decision making, slow with age and someone with memory problems may get lost, confused or disorientated if they are in an unfamiliar area.
You can continue to drive for as long as you can do so safely and this is where it is important to listen to others as we are very poor at judging how well we drive. A formal assessment is a great way to find out if you are safe to drive or not. The assessments in Devon take place in Marsh Barton Exeter and can be accessed via www.olderdrivers.org.uk (01872 254920).
Almost everyone who decides to stop driving saves money as the cost of running a car is a lot more expensive than using other options. Internet shopping and banking are extremely accessible and our Digital Social Prescriber, Joan Povey, is glad to help anyone who needs assistance setting these up. Our Link-up drivers take patients to the hospital and also bring them to the surgery. Our ‘Bertie’ medication delivery service is available for those with difficulties picking up their medication.
We all have a moral duty to be honest with ourselves about our ability to drive. If you have any doubts then go for an assessment or simply bow out early. It is one of the very few health risk factors over which we have complete control.
Anthony O’Brien
Wyndham House Surgery