LiveDrive Seminar

© COTA National Seniors (ACT), 2004

LiveDrive SeminarLiveDrive Seminar

Information for Older Road Users


LiveDrive Seminar Series - 2

Introduction Introduction

Discussion about road safety for older people.

Aim to:

– Provide you with interesting and useful information.

– Increase your awareness of road safety issues.

– Help you be safer as a driver, pedestrian, or other road user.

– While the subject is serious, we will attempt to include a bit of humour into the discussion.



Interlude Interlude

It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try and pass them.

Now down to the discussion



Introduction Introduction

Statistics show that older people are more vulnerable as road users. We are at greater risk of accident or death.

There are actions we can take to reduce that risk.



IntroductionIntroduction

Depending on available time, we will look at:

– Driving or being a passenger in a motor vehicle.

– Being a pedestrian.– Riding a motor bike.– Riding a bicycle.– Using motorised scooters.– Alternative transport options.



IntroductionIntroduction

We expect the talk to take up to 60 minutes.



Older PersonsOlder Persons

The United Nations defines anyone over 50 as an older person.

For road safety, statistics indicate major changes occur around age 65.

More significant change occurs for those aged 75 and over.



Older PersonsOlder Persons

Talking and informing people fromaround age 60 can make a significantdifference to their safety as road users.

Hence our presentation & discussion today.



A Brief Word from our SponsorsA Brief Word from our Sponsors

This seminar series is a community service ofCOTA National Seniors.

The NRMA-ACT Road Safety Trust provide the funding to make this possible.



Older Road UsersOlder Road UsersHow do we fare? How do we fare?

How do you think ageing influences your risk of being involved in a road accident?

Discuss



Background Background

Statistics provide us with an interestingbackdrop:

– The ACT has fewer fatalities than other states, even allowing for population.

– In 2003, we had 9 road fatalities which was one less than in 2002.




– In 2003, the oldest person to die on our roads was 56, in 2002 three (3) people aged over 80 died.

– In 2003, 52 people aged 60+ were injuredon ACT roads.

– Remember, many of us drive interstate and contribute to their statistics rather than those of the ACT. (In particular we tend to contribute to those of NSW).




For Australia as a whole. (Data from 2002):

– Total Fatalities = 1715.

– Fatalities of those aged 65+ = 262.




– Those aged 65+ = 15.3% of fatal accidents but only 12.7% of the total population. (i.e. fatalities are higher than we might expect.)

– Women aged 65+ accounted for 35% of female pedestrian fatalities.

– Men aged 65 + accounted for 21% of all male pedestrian fatalities.




Let’s examine what type of activities have the most fatalities for those aged 65+.



Background Background Australian Road Fatalities 2002 – Age

65+

Pedestrian25%

Passenger22%

Driver48%

Motorcyclist3%

Cyclist2%




When the number of accidents per kilometre driven is analysed older people are at the greatest risk of being killed or seriously injured on the road!




Consider the following graph in which the number of road accident deaths in each age is compared to the risk of the age group with the lowest number of fatalities (those aged 40 – 50).



Background Background Relative Risk per Million Km

Travelled

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

17-20

21-25

26-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85+

Age

Ris

k R

ela

tiv

e t

o S

afe

st

Gro

up




Older drivers (those aged 65+) are more likely to die on the road than any other age group other than those aged 17-25 – when adjusted for distance travelled.

Older road users in general have the greatest risk of dying or being seriously injured as a result of a road accident.




We owe it to ourselves and other road users to take action to maintain and update our knowledge and skills.



Interlude Interlude

After all that bad news we need some light relief!

Now back to the discussion



Impact of Ageing Impact of Ageing

Whether we are the driver of a motor vehicle, a passenger, a pedestrian, or the user of other forms of transport, the impact of ageing is unavoidable.




Some of the many things that may affect us include:

– Deteriorating Eyesight.

– Deteriorating Hearing.

– Reduced Physical Strength & Flexibility.




Some of the many things that may affect us include:

– Onset of Age-related Diseases (e.g. arthritis).

– Thinking and Perception Changes (e.g. reaction time).

– The Side effects of taking Medications.




Even where our eyesight is good, as we age, our sensitivity to contrast reduces. This makes it harder to see:

– Road dividers.

– Some painted road signs.

– Items in shady areas.

Deteriorating EyesightDeteriorating Eyesight




Even where our eyesight is good, as we age, our sensitivity to contrast reduces. This makes it harder to see:


– At dusk.

– At night or in bright sunny conditions.




Our ability to observe oncoming vehicles may be reduced.

Loss of peripheral sight or tunnel vision can make it difficult to be aware of movement to our left or right.





Hearing declines from about the age of 25 and can be particularly tricky to observe as the decline tends to creep up on us.

Hearing loss makes it harder to hear other cars, honking horns, emergency vehicles, and screeching tyres.

Deteriorating HearingDeteriorating Hearing




As drivers we may find that:

– We don’t hear other vehicles.

– Loud talking by others may distract us more than when we were younger (eg. grandchildren in the car).

– We need to concentrate more to hear what is being said.





As pedestrians we may find that:

– It is harder to hear approaching traffic.

– Bicycles and others coming from behind surprise us.

– It’s harder to hear the ‘pings’ of a traffic light indicator.





As we age, we lose some muscle and bone mass.

We also tend to lose some flexibility and agility.

We are more likely to experience forms of arthritis.

Our sense of balance diminishes.

Physical Changes and DiseasesPhysical Changes and Diseases




As drivers, the impact of physical changes can include:

– Reduced physical strength and flexibility making it difficult to respond quickly to emergencies.

– Arthritis interfering with the required range of movements for safe driving.





As drivers, the impact of physical changes can include:


– A diminished sense of balance can reduce our ability to get feedback from steering and car movements.




As pedestrians, the impact of physical changes can include:

– Taking longer to cross the road.

– Reduced physical strength and flexibility making it more difficult to get out of the way of fast moving vehicles.





As we age, our reaction times reduce.

Our ability to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles reduces.

We tend to find it harder to remain focussed for long periods.

Our ability to respond to complex situations is reduced.

Thinking and Perception ChangesThinking and Perception Changes




As drivers this can mean that:

– We need greater distance between us and other vehicles.

– We can misjudge time available for turning across traffic.





As drivers this can mean that:


– We tire more easily – especially on longer trips.

– Complex traffic situations become confusing.




As pedestrians this can mean that:

– We can misjudge the time required to cross roads.

– We can underestimate the time it will take a car to reach us.

– Complex traffic situations become confusing.




Interlude Interlude

Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.




As we age, we are more likely to be taking some form of medication.

Some surveys suggest that over 70% of people over 50 are on (one)1 or more medications.

The impact of medications is often much more complex than we realise.

MedicationsMedications




Medications can effect:– Reflexes and reaction times.

– Drowsiness.

– Eyesight.

– Muscle strength.





It is important to understand the impact of all medications you may be taking – especially on your ability to drive.




This all Sounds Very Bleak!This all Sounds Very Bleak!



But There is Hope!But There is Hope!



Some Facts and TipsSome Facts and Tips

Let’s examine some specific areas and work out some of the things we can do.



Topics be Covered Topics be Covered Which areas most interest you?

Discuss

Drivers & Passengers?

Pedestrians?

Medications?

Alternative Transport?

Motorised Scooters?

Motor Cyclists?

Cyclists?



Topics Topics

Drivers & Passengers

Pedestrians

Medications

Alternative Transport Options

Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Older Drivers - IntroductionOlder Drivers - IntroductionIf you are 50, you have probably

driven close to 500,000 Km’s.



Older Drivers - IntroductionOlder Drivers - IntroductionIf you are 65, you have probably

driven over 700,000 Km’s.– That’s from here to the moon and back.

That’s a lot of driving experience & time to have seen a lot of changes.



Older Drivers - IntroductionOlder Drivers - IntroductionWhat changes can you think of that have occurred in your life-time?

Discuss



Older Drivers - FactsOlder Drivers - Facts

On the bright side, as Older Drivers we have significant experience:

– We usually drink less alcohol.

– We usually drive at safer speeds.

– We usually have a large number of kilometres “under the belt”.

– We tend to adjust our driving to match our ability and are less likely to take risky actions on the road.




Older drivers report that they have to contend with a number of personal changes & issues.

– Deteriorating eyesight.

– Deteriorating hearing.

– Reduced physical strength & flexibility.

– Age-related diseases such as arthritis.

– Slower reaction times & other mental changes.




Older drivers report difficulty with:

– Changes in road-rules and technology.

– The attitudes of some other drivers including driver aggression.

– Traversing roundabouts.

– Dealing with busy intersections.

– Judging distances and speeds.




Older drivers report difficulty with:

– Fatigue – especially on long trips.

– Night driving and bright lights.

– Reversing and parking.

– Tailgating by other drivers.



Older Drivers - TipsOlder Drivers - Tips

So what can you do:

Obtain a copy of the Current Road Rules and check/update your knowledge.

Obtain and read the “Older Driver’s Handbook”.

Undertake a Driver Refresher Program such as COTA National Senior’s Overdrive Program.




So what can you do:

Check with your GP about medications and driving.

Ask others who you trust (children, friends) to provide honest feedback on your driving ability.




Take a couple of update lessons with a driving instructor who specialises in working with older drivers.

Actively work to improve your health & wellbeing.

So what can you do:




Adjust your driving to avoid situations where you are uncomfortable or feel unsafe:

– Night driving.

– Complex right hand turns – consider a different route even if it might be longer.

– Peak traffic. For the ACT, this is: 8:00am – 9:00am & 5:00pm – 6:00pm.

So what can you do:




A significant concern of older drivers is keeping up with the changing road rules. It seems that every year or so there is a change.

While we cannot possibly review all of the road rules here, let’s examine a couple that older people (and the not so old) report as causing particular difficulty.




Do you know what the rules are for merging lanes?– Hands up all those who think that the left

lane must always give way to the right.

– Hands up if you think that the right lane give’s way to the left.

– And for those who think otherwise?




Car “A” must give way to car “B”.

The car that will cross the broken line must give way to all traffic on the other side of the broken lane.




Car “B” must give way to car “A”.

The car that is behind must give way to the car in front.




Car “A” gives way

Car “B” gives way




Older people report that roundabouts are one of the most difficult features of modern motoring.

– Knowing the rules is an issue; and

– The complexity of watching all traffic while manoeuvring is an issue.

Discuss the rules for traversing roundabouts.




When turning left.Approach in the left lane, use your indicator before and throughout the turn.

Turn into the left hand lane.




When continuing straight ahead.Approach in either lane, stay in that lane to exit, use your indicator after you enter the lane to indicate your exit.




When turning right.Approach in right hand lane, stay in that lane to exit, use your right indicator before entering the roundabout. Use your left indicator as you approach the exit.




When making a U-Turn.Approach in right hand lane, stay in that lane to exit, use your right indicator before entering the roundabout. Use your left indicator as you approach the exit.




General principle. Enter in the lane that matches your turn, stay in that lane, indicate your intentions at each point of the roundabout.




Another problem area for many people is the use of “slip lanes”.

Do you know exactly what constitutes a slip lane and who gives way to whom? Discuss.




Car “B” must give way to car “A” because it is turning left from a slip lane.




Car A has a “Give Way” sign, and still Car “B” must give way to car “A” because it is turning left from a slip lane.




In all cases, the car using the slip lane to turn left must give way to all other traffic.




Car “B” has to Give Way to car “A”.

The vehicle turning right must stop and give way until the way is clear.



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Pedestrians - FactsPedestrians - Facts

Although people aged 65 and over represent about 12.7% of the Australian population, they contribute about 25% of all pedestrian deaths in Australia.

Only a small proportion of these deaths stem from risky road use on the part of the driver.

Primary responsibility for the collision is fullyor partially attributable to the pedestrian inabout six of every seven cases.




The following chart shows the number of pedestrian fatalities as a proportion of the population – the measure is per 100,000 of the population:

– (Note: This is fatalities not accidents!)



Pedestrians - FactsPedestrians - FactsPedestrian Fatalities per 100,000 population

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

<15 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85+

Age Range

Fa

tali

tie

s

Male

Female

1997 to 2001




About one-third (1/3) of the fatalaccidents occur at night; but…

The majority of travel by olderpedestrians occurs during daylight hours.

As we age, our ability to predict the speed of oncoming traffic reduces!



Pedestrians - TipsPedestrians - Tips

Plan your route to use:

– Footpaths.

– Quieter roads.

– Controlled crossing points (zebra crossings & traffic lights).

– Pedestrian access-ways such as overpasses and underpasses whenever possible.




Be cautious about oncoming traffic and assume that the traffic will reach you sooner than you estimate.

Avoid shortcuts, especially jay-walking.

Ensure that you can see all traffic from all directions at the point at which you cross the road.




Make use of pedestrian refuges in the centre of the road when available.




Consider that drivers may not make adequate allowance for slower pedestrians.




Remember pedestrian walkways are shared with Bicycles, Motorised Scooters and other recreational users.

If you have a hearing aid, ensure it is switched on – you need to hear approaching traffic and other road users.




Consider the possible impact of any medications on reaction times, walking speed and ability to judge traffic.

Wear bright clothing, especially at night. Consider the following chart…



Pedestrians - TipsPedestrians - TipsImpact of Clothing Colour on Visibility

20

30

40

60

180

90

35

0 50 100 150 200

Black / Blue

Red

Yellow

White

Reflectors

Car @ 50 Kmh

Car @ 100 Kmh

Metres



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Using Motorised ScootersUsing Motorised ScootersMotorised Scooters have become

increasingly popular with older people.

They provide mobility when other forms of transport are not available and can help overcome the restrictions caused by physical limitations (e.g. arthritis).



Using Motorised ScootersUsing Motorised ScootersYou may use a Scooter without a

licence or registration provided the scooter weighs less than 110 Kg and cannot travel faster than 10 Km/Hr.

In the ACT, a scooter user is considered to be a pedestrian and must abide by the road-rules applying to pedestrians.



Using Motorised ScootersUsing Motorised Scooters

If you take your scooter interstate be sure to check with the local authorities.(e.g. in WA a scooter cannot travel faster than 7 KM/Hr).

Not all paths are designed with scooters in mind, plan your trip carefully.




‘Multicab’ Taxis (wheelchair accessible) may not be able to transport a scooter safely.

Not all scooters are the same – ensure you seek appropriate help in selecting the right scooter for your purposes.




You may need insurance to cover any accidental damage that could result from use of your scooter (accidents between scooters and other road users do occur!).




If you are no longer able to drive, then ask whether you have the skills to use a scooter safely? Especially as most scooter journeys require you to at least cross the road.

If you’re not sure, then seek some independent advice.



Using Motorised ScootersUsing Motorised ScootersYou can get help with Scooters

from:

The Independent Living Centre.

Occupational Therapists.

Read the “Scooter Driver’s Guide” available from COTA National Seniors in the ACT.



Using Motorised ScootersUsing Motorised ScootersYou can get help with Scooters

from:

Undertaking a Scooter Training Course (sometimes available from COTA National Seniors.)

Obtaining and watch the Video “All about Scooters” available from libraries and COTA NationalSeniors.



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion




Return to Previous Slide




Return to Previous Slide

Play Video



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Medications - FactsMedications - Facts

A recent survey conducted by COTA indicated:

– 71% of people 50 and over are taking one (1) or more medications.

– 57% were taking 2 or more.



Medications - FactsMedications - FactsMany medications have some effect on

our ability to remain alert, or slow our reflexes. When we mix medications together, it’s often difficult to predict the impact on alertness.

The reality is that as we age, we are all likely to be taking more medications than when we were younger.




Medications include:

– Prescriptions.

– Other treatments given by a Doctor/Dentist/Therapist.

– ‘Over the counter’ products from pharmacies and supermarkets.

– Natural therapies.




– Dosage

– When taken

– Length of time taken

– Effectiveness for your condition

– Interactions with other medications

– Interactions with alcohol

– Interactions with foods

– Storage of the medication

Factors influencing the effect of your medications include:




– Dizziness– Lightheadedness– Tremors– Slower reflexes– Drowsiness

– Disturbances of vision– Feelings of aggression– Nausea– Muscle weakness

Medications can cause:

If you experience any of these symptoms

Don’t Drive, avoid walking near roads and consult your Doctor




– Sedatives

– Anaesthetics

– Antidepressants

– Anti-anxiety treatments

– Anti-epileptics

Common Medications that can affect Driving

– Blood Pressure treatments

– Diabetic Medications

– “Heart Tablets”

– Antihistamines




Common Medications that can affect Driving

– Antinauseants

– Analgesics

– Cough and Cold Treatments

– Some Eye Drops

– Some hormone treatments

– Antacids



Medications - TipsMedications - Tips

Discuss the impact of your medications with any or all of the following as appropriate:

– GP

– Pharmacist

– Alternative health practitioner



Medications - TipsMedications - Tips

Ensure that you tell them all of the medications you may be taking including:

– Medically prescribed medicines.

– Over the counter medications.

– Treatments offered by an alternative health practitioner.

– Self-treatments.



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Cycling - FactsCycling - Facts

Cycling is an excellent way to get around, maintain health and fitness.

Older cyclists seem to have a very low accident rate.

A “Pedalpower” survey suggests that “Senior cyclists” are cautious about riding on the road.



Cycling - FactsCycling - Facts

Information from Western Australiasuggests that accidents by older cyclists are most likely to occur:

– During the daylight hours.

– On major arterial roads.

– Where there are no traffic signs or traffic control measures.



Cycling - TipsCycling - Tips

Consider your fitness to ride.

Always wear a helmet designed to Australian Standards and ensure it is correctly fastened.

Consider gloves designed for use with bicycles, especially in colder months when temperatures and cause tightness in fingers.



Cycling - TipsCycling - Tips

Wear bright clothing, and consider fluorescent flags and other items to make your bicycle visible.

If you ride at night ensure you have adequate lighting on you bike.

Avoid riding on the road if there are alternative pathways.



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Motorcycles - FactsMotorcycles - Facts

For Motorcycles, any rider over 40is generally considered an “Older Motorcyclist”.

Older riders own 42% of registered motorcycles (NSW) but are far less likely to be involved in crashes.

– However the proportion of crashes by this group is increasing.



Motorcycles - FactsMotorcycles - Facts

The “Motorcycle Council of NSW” reports that riders aged 40 and over are more likely to:

– Crash in rural areas.

– Be involved in crashes on curves.

– Be involved in single vehicle crashes which is the opposite to that experienced by older drivers



Motorcycles – TipsMotorcycles – Tips

Obtain a copy of the Current Road Rules and check/update your knowledge.

Obtain and read the “Older Driver’s Handbook.

Remember that the skills required for a motorcycle are greater than for driving a car.



Motorcycles – TipsMotorcycles – Tips

Older motorcyclists need to pay extra attention in rural areas and on long sweeping curves.

Consider refreshing your riding skills by attending a “Stay Upright” or “MASTER” course (Mature Aged Skills Training for experienced Riders)



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



Alternative Transport OptionsAlternative Transport Options

Giving up the car and using Alternative Transport is one of the most challenging things for us to face.

Alternative Transport options are not only for when you have retired from driving – consider them when/if driving your car is not the best option.




ACTION Buses:

– While not always convenient and often taking a long time to get from A-B using several buses, the ACTION network is comprehensive and economical.

– ACTION Information Service is located at: Telephone: 13 17 10 Web-site: www.action.act.gov.au




ACTION Buses:

– If you have never used a bus before, it’s a good idea to phone their Information Line for guidance. Explain that you are a first time user.

– Their information telephone line can help you plan a trip including which buses to catch and their numbers

– Their web-site can also help you plan a trip




The various ACT Community Services provide transport for medical appointments & social support groups – look them up in your telephone book.

Social clubs sometimes offer a free mini-bus service.




TripsACT 6251 2100 can provide transport for:

– Weekend and evening social activities.

– Attending cinemas/ clubs/ theatres.

– Evening or weekend educational activities.

– Visiting family or friends in hospitals and nursing homes.




The ACT Taxi subsidy scheme provides Taxi vouchers for those with a severe disability or for those unable to access other public transport options.

Friends and family are of course always a possibility, be prepared to ask – people often enjoy being able to help.




For interstate trips and/or holidays consider buses, trains and air transport – all of which are cheaper than in the past and can often compete with driving yourself when all costs are taken into account.



Topics Topics


Pedestrians

Medications


Motorised Scooters

Motor Cyclists

Cyclists

Conclusion



ConclusionConclusion

So, what have we learned from today?

Discuss




Let’s summarise some key points:

– As older people, we are at greater risk as road users.

– Some changes are inevitable as we grow older.

– There are many things that we can do to improve our safety as road users.




Let’s summarise some key points:

– Keeping up-to-date with road rules, training and transport options is important.

– Checking out the effect of medications is important.



Where to Get More InformationWhere to Get More Information

COTA (ACT) offers a Senior’s Information Service – call 6282 3777.

The ACT LiveDrive Web-site has many links to various sources of information.

www.cota-act.org.au/LiveDrive




The ACT Department of Urban Services.

Web-site: www.urbanservices.act.gov.au

Phone: 13 22 81

TripsACT.Phone: 6251 2100




The ACT Older Driver’s Handbook.The ACT Retiring from Driving

Handbook.– Both are available from ACT Government

Shop-fronts, the Motor Registry and the COTA National Seniors’ Office at Hughes.



AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Our sponsors:– The COTA National Seniors (ACT).

– The NRMA-ACT Road Safety Trust.



AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau for permission to use charts and statistical information.

The ACT Department of Urban Services for permission to use diagrams and other road safety material.

LiveDrive Seminar

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