BallyCara has partnered up with CarFreeMe to support our Residents and Clients approach how to drive later in life and what to do if or when they need to stop driving.

What does driving mean to you? Have a think about it… it could mean many things including: freedom, getting from a-b, having control over your schedule, not having to rely on others or transport schedules, independence.

As we age, we may notice changes such as having less strength, less smooth movements, slower reaction times, and the more obvious decline in sight and hearing.
However, there are also positive changes such as having more experience to draw on, an increase in free time, especially as you move into the retirement stage of life, this in turn brings the ability to participate in more leisure activities and to be more involved in your local community if you wish.

As many of the things we’d like to do when we get older require travelling, it is important to think about how you will get around, what your legal requirements are, as well as being aware and realistic of your situation. While older drivers are less likely to be involved in crashes, if they do have an accident, they are more likely to be severely injured or killed.

In Australia there is no upper age limit for driving, it is based on individual circumstances as to when you stop driving. As driving requires you to be attentive it is important to know and understand your limitations. Remember that some medical conditions and medications can affect how alert you feel, how clearly you think, how well you see, and how quick your reaction times are. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned that your medications and/or medical conditions may affect your ability to drive.

There are legal responsibilities that you need to be aware of as you age:

• In QLD drivers 75 years and over, or those with certain medical conditions are required to have a medical certificate to legally drive
• In VIC drivers must report any medical conditions that could affect their driving. A medical review may be required at any age

If you don’t report these medical conditions and hold a copy of your medical certificate when driving you may be voiding your insurance and could be fined.

Tips to stay safe while driving

• Have regular medical and vision check-ups

• Ensure your car is roadworthy and checks are completed such as tyre pressure, oil and water, etc.

• Keep up to date with the road rules, these can and do change so being aware of these changes is helpful. For instance speed limits, being aware of the school zones in your local area. It is also helpful if you are looking to drive out of your local area to check road rules, as these are different from state to state.

• Avoid driving when you are feeling unwell or are tired

• Do not drive when you feel unsure, e.g. peak hours, in bad weather, at night, or in unfamiliar places

Signs that you may need to reconsider if you keep driving

• Feeling stressed about driving

• Having trouble when you drive

• Friends or family worry about your driving

• Having near misses or accidents

• Getting lost more often

Advice from retired drivers

• Think about your options early on so that you can plan

• Weigh it up (think through the factors involved, look at priorities and values, put plans in place, positive/negatives, costs of cars (e.g. petrol, registration, insurance, tyres, maintenance and repairs versus alternatives,)

• Talk to others, key people in your life such as family and friends, and medical professionals

• What other ways can you get around, especially in your local area. Public transport, taxi subsidy schemes, transport services, family and friends, community groups, walking, scooters

• Stay involved and active, what do you do and how will you stay involved

• Safety of others and of course yourself

• And finally, look at it as a positive - you are retiring rather than giving up!

Like most other things it is best to have a plan for the future and how you will approach this stage of life. Take some time to think about your lifestyle. What activities and roles are important to you? Which ones are less important? How can you plan to keep doing the important activities?

If you are still confident with driving but would like a refresher in safe driving there are many programs that may be suitable. You could check with your local transport authority if they have any suggestions.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more news on our partnership with CarFreeMe... we'll be revealing more details over the coming months!