Understanding the Challenges of Night Driving as We Age
The most important thing to remember about driving – at any time of day – is if you no longer feel safe or confident you should contact the DVLA or chat to your GP about it. While no-one likes the idea of giving up their car, seeing it as a source of independence, if you’re no longer safe to be at the wheel you should stop for the sake of yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
That being said, just because you’re no longer driving your car, doesn’t mean you will become isolated within your home. Running a car can be expensive, so with the option of taxis, free bus journeys for pensioners, and lifts from family and friends, giving up driving doesn’t have to be the ending it suggests. In fact, it may actually offer a new lease of life!
How Ageing Affects Vision and Reaction Time
According to the Older Drivers Forum, “Your eyesight changes in later life and this may make it harder to see road signs and other road users, especially in low light.” This can have a serious effect on how we interpret our surroundings, especially at night, and how quickly we can react. Poor light conditions can also mean our reaction times are slower and colours and contrasts can become difficult to interpret.
Another reason many older people don’t like to drive at night is because “between the ages of 15 and 65 the recovery time from glare increases from 2 to 9 seconds.” This also has a pronounced effect on how comfortable older drivers feel in less-than-perfect conditions.
Common Hazards Older Drivers Face at Night
There are many hazards older drivers face driving at night, due to the physical effects that ageing naturally produces. These can often be avoided by:
Cleaning windscreen
A dirty windscreen can create additional glare, especially at dawn and dusk
Checking electrics
Headlights, side lights and indicators need to be regularly maintained
Leaving room
Keep space between you and the car in front to allow you thinking/stopping time
Dimming dashboard
This is important because it will help to avoid distraction and aid concentration
Anti-reflective glasses
This will ensure that headlights from other cars don’t impair your vision
Avoiding headlights
Look away from oncoming vehicle lights so you’re not temporarily blinded by glare
Adjusting your mirror
Move it to the ‘dipped’ position so you’re not dazzled by following vehicles
Being mindful of others
Avoid driving on full beam all the time, even if you’re struggling to see
Essential Safety Tips for Night Driving
“About 10 percent of road accidents (are) caused by external factors affecting vision,” say the Older Drivers Forum. Therefore, it’s important to only drive at night if you feel confident to do so and you have the necessary skills and abilities.
Wear your seatbelt
In 42% of fatal collisions that took place between 6pm and 8am, occupants were not wearing their seatbelts, says Compare the Market
Get enough rest
Don’t risk driving if you’re tired, but if it’s unavoidable, schedule regular stops at service stations, especially when driving at night
Have an eye test
It’s important to have your eyes tested regularly as it can pick up health problems early on, but especially if you’re planning to drive
Be prepared
Carrying essential items, such as a bottle of water, a torch, a blanket, and a charged mobile phone can mean you’ll be prepared for any emergency
Be safe
Check your spare wheel regularly, don’t leave it until you need it. Also make sure that your jack is well maintained in case you need to change a tyre
Be vigilant
Nocturnal animals can appear on roads without warning. Look out for glowing eyes on the side of the road and slow down in preparation
Drive more slowly
Moderate speed when driving at night and if there is someone behind you making you uncomfortable, pull over safely and let them pass
Avoid driving at night
Ask friends or family to come with you at night or to help you practice night driving. If at all possible, don’t drive in the dark at all
Vehicle Maintenance and Lighting Checks for Better Visibility
According to the RAC, the acronym FORCES should be followed to ensure that your car is winter driving-ready.
FUEL
Heavy traffic can be more common in wintry weather as people adjust their driving to match the conditions. Ensure you have enough fuel for crawling speeds
OIL
Oil levels should be checked regularly throughout the year but especially during winter months when a breakdown would be particularly uncomfortable
RUBBER
Tyre pressures and tread patterns should be checked regularly. If wear is uneven then it could signify a fault, so it should be checked with a mechanic
COOLANT
Your vehicle’s manufacturer will tell you the levels of coolant that your car should hold and the amount of anti-freeze that it needs to contain to remain effective
ELECTRICS
Lights should be regularly checked for faulty bulbs, as should indicators, fog lights and brakes. If they need replacing, they should be done immediately
SCREENWASH
Windscreen washer fluid should always be kept topped up and the type adjusted for different conditions, such as colder temperatures and the risk of ice
When to Consider Limiting or Avoiding Night Driving
Only you know how you feel about driving, whatever the conditions. While you may have reservations about stopping driving, it’s important to be responsible and tell someone. Stopping night driving doesn’t mean you aren’t able to drive during daylight hours either, it just means that you’re putting your safety – and that of other road users – ahead of convenience.
There are many other options to still keep you mobile, such as public transport or lifts from friends, but if you’re finding driving in the dark uncomfortable or you feel unsafe, you should definitely have a chat with loved ones and tell them what you’re planning to do. They will undoubtedly support your decision and applaud you for being so sensible.
Discover Elderly Support with Helping Hands
Helping Hands have been supporting our customers to live as well as possible in the home they love since 1989, meaning that we’re the care provider to trust for your home care needs.
Our compassionate and professional carers will support you with every aspect of your daily routine and will be able to drive you to appointments and activities in many circumstances.
If you require a carer that drives then this can be arranged for you, whether you need visiting or live-in care. Just chat to our friendly customer care advisors or your nearest local branch team to find out your options.
