Road Safety The Mature road user

Independence We all want to maintain our ability to go where we want, when we want,especially as we grow older and enjoy more leisure time.

Do you have control of your vehicle? Loss of strength, coordination and flexibility can make it hard to control your vehicle. Do you have trouble… Looking over your shoulder to change lanes? Moving your foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal? Turning the steering wheel? Walking less than a mile a day?

Eyesight If you said “Yes” to any of these questions, you should… Make sure you always wear your glasses and that the prescription is current. Keep your windshield, mirrors and headlights clean. Make sure that your headlights are working and aimed correctly. Sit high enough in your seat so you can see the road for at least 10 feet in front of your vehicle. If you are 60 or older, see an eye doctor every year.

Eyesight Do you have trouble… Reading signs easily? Recognizing someone you know from across the street? Seeing street markings, other cars, and people walking - especially at dawn, dusk and at night? Handling headlight glare at night?

Keep Alert Keep your speed down if conditions reduce visibility. Avoid excessive speed Frequently look in your rear vision mirrors and scan the verges of the road while you're driving.

Always be alert How close will a car or other road users have to be before you see them

Fact Most drivers believe that their own driving skills are superior to those of the average driver. Receiving any type of traffic infringement proves that there is room for improvement.

Do not tailgate Allow at least a two second gap between you and the car in front of you.

Preventative Maintenance Regular Checks on Lights Brakes Tyres Mirrors Wipper blades

Seat Belts Seat Belts give you around a 50% better chance of surviving a crash without being killed or seriously injured than not wearing one at all when involved in a crash

What can you do ? Avoid the risk factors associated with road crashes : Wear seatbelts and make sure your passengers do also. Don’t drink and drive Keep to the speed limit Think of other road users. Take a refresher course in driving.

Stick to the speed limit What difference 5km/h can make. In the EU reducing the average speed by 3km/h would save an estimated 5000/6000 lives each year and would avoid 120,000 to 140,000 crashes.

Travelling safely in the dark When it is dark outside, it makes you harder to see as a pedestrian Although cars and other vehicles have headlamps, they will not be able to see you as clearly

Crossing safely Always find a safe place to cross the road - it’s best to find a pedestrian crossing such as a pelican crossing or a zebra crossing, or to cross at traffic lights, and don’t ever try to cross where your view of the road is partially blocked, for example by a bus Safe Cross Code: find a safe place, stop, look both ways and listen before you cross wear light, bright or fluorescent clothes when the weather makes it difficult to see, and wear something made with reflective material in the dark, such as armbands, sashes, waistcoats and jackets - reflective materials will reflect the light back when car headlights shine on you making you highly visible even at night

Travelling safely in the dark What can you do to make yourself more visible to other road users?

Travelling safely in the dark You can: Wear bright colours Wear reflective items and accessories such as slap bands Always find a safe place to cross the road

Travelling safely in the dark If you are cycling in the dark: Wear a protective helmet and pads Make sure your bike has working lights and reflectors Wear bright or reflective clothing that drivers can see

Find a safe place to cross Countdown timer A protected crossing At traffic lights A traffic lights

When crossing the road See and be seen,check the driver has seen you. Check for vehicles and assess their speed is there time to cross Remember ! Choose the safest time possible for your trip Plan your trip.cut down the number of times you have to cross the road. Avoid peek traffic

Facts Surveys about driving attitudes show that some older drivers lack confidence and feel nervous on busy roads or juctions Consider taking a refresher course with a driving school to build up your confidence and update your driving skills and road knowledge.