Drivers undaunted by fading eyesight
Nearly 20 per cent over 65 who can’t see well still have licences
Almost one in five people over age 65 who can’t see well enough to read ordinary newsprint or recognize a friend on the other side of the street, even with glasses, still have a valid driver’s licence in this country, according to Statistics Canada.
“Having visual limitations does not always mean an end to driving,” said the report by Martin Turcotte, entitled Profile of Seniors’ Transportation Habits and released on Monday.
The study looked at several other medical criteria that affect a person’s ability to drive, including cognition, mobility and ability to hear.
Nationally, 36 per cent of those aged 65 and over — or 37,900 people — who described themselves as very forgetful and having great difficulty trying to think and solve everyday problems had a valid driver’s licence in 2009, as did more than a quarter ( 28 per cent) of those diagnosed with dementia, a further 19,800 people.
Almost 28 per cent, or 39,500 people in this age group who are unable to walk on their own can still legally drive, and just over half of those who can’t hear well enough to participate in a small- group conversation, even with a hearing aid, still have valid licences.
Despite all of this, seniors in B. C. are significantly less likely than teenagers to be involved in car accidents.
Data provided by ICBC show that in 2010, people over 65 were involved in 42,100 crashes, compared to the 57,700 crashes the 16- 25 demographic was involved in. People aged 46- 55 were involved in 76,000 crashes last year, the most of any demographic.
However, the Solicitor- General’s Ministry points out that seniors spend fewer hours on the road, tend to drive only in daylight hours, drive shorter distances and tend to avoid hazardous driving conditions.
Seniors, particularly men, like to drive. The Statistics Canada data show that 56 per cent of Vancouverites aged 65 and over drive their own vehicle as their main form of transportation, and a further 14 per cent report getting around as a passenger in a vehicle.
Just 12.8 per cent reported taking public transit. Nationally, two- thirds of senior men who lived in dense residential areas reported having driven their vehicle in the past month, and only 36 per cent of women. “In short, for senior men, living in a neighbourhood that offers other transportation options does not mean giving up their car,” said report author Turcotte.
Vancouver resident Ralph Jackson, who is 85, says he has been driving, accident- free, for the last 67 years. He recently moved to the Langara neighbourhood of Vancouver from New Westminster, and though he said he will take advantage of his proximity to the Canada Line, he plans to continue driving regularly until he is no longer able to do so.
“I will take advantage of the Skytrain, because, being a Scotsman, it’s nice and cheap compared to driving a car,” Jackson said by handsfree cellphone from his vehicle.
Like all drivers in B. C., Jackson had an examination by a doctor when he turned 80 to determine his physical fitness to drive. People over 80 must get subsequent examinations every two years.
The Statistics Canada report, as well as B. C.’ s motor vehicle department, both emphasized that it is not seniors’ advanced age that increases the risk of traffic accidents, but rather certain medical conditions they are more likely to have.