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Many driving schools offer driving courses for senior citizens. These training courses make it possible to:
Review the rules of movement.
To adapt to the evolution of signalling.
To regain confidence, in particular to manage complex situations such as roundabouts.
Medical follow-up
Consulting a doctor is also essential for senior drivers. A registered doctor can assess the physical and cognitive abilities needed for safe driving.
Michel Avisse, a general practitioner, stressed that age should not be a decisive criterion: “Some elderly people remain perfectly fit to drive, even at an advanced age. ”
The reality of accidents among older people
Contrary to popular belief, older people are not the most rugged drivers. Drivers over 75 years of age account for 15.2 per cent of road deaths, which are a lesser thing than young people between the ages of 18 and 24.
Serious accidents among older people are often related to inattention errors rather than risky behaviours, such as speeding or alcohol consumption.
Conclusion: preserving freedom while ensuring security
Rather than imposing an age restriction, it is better to encourage older people to have their driving skills assessed on a regular basis. Thanks to refresher steps and appropriate medical follow-up, it is possible to extend their autonomy while guaranteeing their safety and that of other users.
The aim is to strike a balance between freedom and responsibility on the roads.
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