Older motorists urged 'put 1 gadget in vehicle' to keep driving
Older drivers could keep hold their driving licence for longer if they fit one gadget in their cars, says new research. Those over 65 years old who are still getting behind the wheel could benefit from the technology which could allow mature motorists to 'maintain their driving independence' for longer.
Installing a satellite navigation GPS device in their cars could be a benefit, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia. Researchers found that drivers in that age category with Sat Nav systems in their cars 'tend to drive more frequently'.
Those that don't use them didn't drive as often and effectively forced themselves off the road. Sat Nav systems are a common feature of newer cars but they can be installed separately.
Professor Hornberger, spokesperson for UEA's Norwich Medical School, said the GPS systems can help older road users with their sense of direction.
He said: 'We found that a considerable majority of older drivers use navigation assistance at least for some journeys, and commonly for the entire journey to a new destination.
'Older people with a poorer sense of direction rely more on Sat Navs.
'But the really important thing we found is that those who use GPS tend to drive more frequently than those who do not, suggesting that these tools help mitigate against spatial orientation difficulties and help maintain driving mobility.
'This means that if we support older drivers with using GPS navigation, it could really help maintain their driving independence, keeping them on the roads safely for longer,' reports the Express.
The study saw experts question 895 UK drivers aged over 65, with the average age of participants aged 71.
The participants self-reported how often and far they tend to drive, how their sense of direction was and how they tend to use GPS tools while behind the wheel.
Modern Sat Navs have a voice which walks through directions and can also provide speed alerts and traffic updates.
That means it helps elderly individuals to focus on their driving without having to worry about anything else.
Professor Hornberger added: 'Driving is usually the preferred mode of transport among older adults, and it can be vital for maintaining independence, quality of life, wellbeing, and cognitive health as we age.
'But age-related cognitive decline means that people might experience worsening spatial abilities, leading them to drive less and less.'
There have been calls for older drivers to face medical tests over the age of 70. Eyesight tests and cognitive testing is not mandatory for drivers of this age. Instead they have to declare themselves medically fit to drive.
And last week Prime Minister Keir Starmer was urged to introduce stricter eyesight testing rules for all drivers.
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) had previously claimed the current rules around road vision checks are 'out of step' and were in need of a review.
Dr Peter Hampson, Optometrist and Clinical and Policy Director at the AOP, said they had been calling for tougher vision checks on UK roads.
After similar remarks from the Older Drivers Forum and a leading coroner, Sir Keir Starmer and the Government are being urged to react and change the rules.
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