An inconvenient truth

By Maria Millers

Thanks mostly to modern medicine we are living longer and enjoying the kind of old age past generations never dreamt of, allowing many to follow their passions: enjoying their grandchildren, joining classes, meeting friends over coffee or simply taking a leisured drive. Part of living longer and well is social connectedness.

But the way we live and the way our suburbs have evolved means a car is needed, not just for outings but for essentials like food shopping and medical appointments. Public transport is at best limited and in outer suburbs there are often no taxis. So a car becomes a necessity.

Longevity however comes with certain changes and problems that can affect a person’s driving ability: chronic health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, dementia, heart issues, or Parkinson’s disease. And medications for blood pressure, anxiety, or sleep can affect alertness, coordination, or cause unexpected episodes of fainting or confusion leading to mistakes like hitting the wrong pedal or missing the Stop sign

Growing old is not a matter of fading away;
It is a long, slow journey, each day
Marked by the loss of what once was bright,
The strength we had, the power to fight.
We were once strong, a storm untamed,
But now our bodies fail, our minds are framed
By the slow encroachment of time and age,
(Mathew Arnold Ageing excerpt).

It’s time to face the inconvenient truth that over the past year alone too many young people have lost their lives at the hands of older drivers. And looking at the last five years older motorists have been responsible for at least 145 road deaths and more than 7000 injuries,

The most recent tragic accidents speak for themselves.

Last Thursday a 91-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle on a downhill stretch on a quiet suburban street in Vermont. The car mounted the footpath, striking a family of three near a children’s playground. A 59-year-old woman died at the scene, her 60-year-old partner sustained life-threatening injuries, and their two-year-old grandson was hospitalised with serious injuries.

Last year 66-year-old William Swale driving in a hypoglycaemic state, mounted a kerb and crashed into the outdoor beer garden of the Royal Daylesford Hotel killing five people and injuring several others. Among the dead a nine and an eleven year old.

On a morning in March this year six-year-old Caleb Wesley was walking with his two older siblings to catch a school bus in Teesdale, He was struck by a car driven by an 84-year-old local woman. Caleb died at the scene.

Last month an 83-year-old woman was involved in a collision on the Western Highway near Armstrong. The crash resulted in the death of three people including a 24-year-old female passenger.

These events underscore the importance of regular assessments of driving capabilities, especially for older motorist. Acting Premier Ben Carroll acknowledged the need to review current policies regarding elderly drivers despite the fact that it will be seen as an invasion of rights.

However, there have been accounts where elderly drivers, after experiencing near-miss incidents, have chosen to relinquish their driving privileges. These personal decisions often stem from a deep sense of responsibility and concern for public safety and should be applauded.

Sometimes it takes one exceptional person to set an example and make people reflect on their own attitudes towards the welfare of others. No one wants to live with the regret of causing harm. Stepping back from driving before an incident occurs is an act of care for family, neighbours, and the community.

In an opinion piece in the Age last year Jane Maloney about to turn 90 and having driven for 70 years made such an ethical decision, which she described as a heart breaking decision, to sell her car and give up her licence:

“I too well understand the responsibilities that go with controlling your own weapon of mass destruction,” she wrote.

What prompted this ethical decision was an incident and in her own words:

“I was returning home from shopping and about to turn right at an intersection when something, I’m not sure what, stopped me. I looked around and saw through my side mirror a young boy crossing the road. I immediately realised that I had completely failed to see him and if I hadn’t stopped, I would have hit him.”

Her peripheral vision had failed her and left her reflecting on how she could have destroyed the life of an innocent young boy.

Declining vision or reduced ability to scan surroundings. Slower reflexes, delayed decision-making. Confusion at intersections, highway merging or navigating unfamiliar routes are all challenges often facing older drivers.

The community and policymakers are now grappling with balancing road safety and the independence and agency of elderly drivers. As discussions continue, there is a growing call for measures that ensure the safety of all road users.

There are of course many older Australians who are perfectly capable of driving safely but should be aware of how easily the situation can change.. Some avoid regularly seeing their GP in fear of being judged as unfit to drive.

And in view of the statistics there are increasing calls for mandatory testing of elderly drivers.

Once a driver turns 75 licence renewal periods switch to 3-year-terms but no health checks are enforced. Much can change in three years. Annual assessment should be the first step taken even though many will view this as discriminatory pointing out that many younger drivers are also responsible for road deaths.

Fitness to drive reports can only be triggered if concerns are raised by a family member, medical professional, police or Vic Roads.

But those deemed unfit to drive cannot be just left with no means to get around and any move to introduce mandatory testing must be balanced with strategies to ensure those people have support to remain mobile, connected and as independent as possible.

This might involve providing free public transport for seniors, as is the case in South Australia, supporting a local taxi service or a community bus.

For those wanting and able to drive independently another way in the future maybe through embracing new technology.

Autonomous vehicles can significantly help in preventing accidents, especially for elderly drivers, by addressing many of the challenges older adults face behind the wheel.

Autonomous systems respond in milliseconds to hazards like sudden stops, pedestrians, or obstacles, often faster than human drivers.

And autonomous systems don’t get distracted, tired, or confused, preventing common errors.

Maybe this is one way forward in the future where such vehicles are subsidised for the elderly. This may be a cost efficient solution for a growing problem in an aging society where longevity allows people to safely pursue passions and dreams without putting others in danger.

I’m old enough to think I can
Still grasp the world with steady hand,
To chase the dreams that once were mine,
And in their pursuit, to shine.
Though time has etched its gentle mark,
My spirit still ignites a spark,
For in the heart of every age,
Resides the wisdom of the sage.
(I’m Old Enough to Think I Can” by John Updike).

 

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