Motormouth: Elderly drivers - let us look out for them on our roads

Younger drivers should show senior citizens behind the wheel some road courtesy, so as to help them drive with confidence and dignity. 

[Story by guest columnist Azfar Hashim]

Elderly drivers in their 60s and 70s often adopt a more cautious driving style, characterised by reduced speed, greater following distances, strict adherence to speed limits, and earlier braking. These habits, while ensuring safety, can unfortunately lead to frustration among younger, faster drivers.

In a fast-paced environment like Singapore, where efficiency and speediness are paramount, slower vehicles can become a source of irritation for other road users. It is not uncommon to witness aggressive behaviours such as tailgating, headlamps-flashing or honking, which are tactics often employed by impatient drivers to pressure the vehicle ahead to go faster or move aside. 

My 75-year-old father-in-law regularly faces such behaviours, as hot-headed drivers attempt to force him out of their way. These actions not only cause unnecessary stress, but also compromise road safety for everyone involved.

This situation underscores a significant issue - Singapore’s roads are shared spaces where every driver, regardless of age, is entitled to respect and consideration. Senior drivers, in particular, deserve understanding and patience from other road users. Their cautious driving is aimed at safeguarding both themselves and others on the road.

In his Budget speech on February 16 this year, then Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted that Singapore is facing a "rapidly ageing population", with one in five Singaporeans aged 65 and older. 

The Department of Statistics projects the average life expectancy in Singapore to be 83 years. Current regulations require drivers above the age of 65 to be certified fit to drive by a Singapore-registered medical practitioner every three years.

One way to enhance road safety and accommodate our ageing population is by adopting a system similar to Japan’s Koreisha Mark - a distinctive sign displayed on vehicles driven by senior drivers. This symbol serves as a visual reminder for other road users to exercise extra caution and patience. 

Implementing a similar system in Singapore could contribute significantly to a safer and kinder driving environment, like a senior version of the Probation plate, or P-plate. 

To promote a culture of mutual respect on our roads, Singapore Traffic Police should consider introducing a specific sign or sticker for vehicles driven by senior citizens. Just as the P-plate indicates a probationary driver, a senior driver’s mark would signal the need for extra consideration from others on the road. 

This initiative could have a substantial impact on making our roads safer and more inclusive for all drivers, particularly in light of Singapore’s ageing population.

As Singapore continues to age, it is increasingly important for us to adapt our infrastructure and attitudes to meet the needs of senior drivers. By fostering a culture of empathy and respect, we can ensure that our roads remain safe for every driver, regardless of age. 

A proactive approach in addressing these needs will not only improve road safety, but also contribute to the well-being of our senior citizens, allowing them to drive with confidence and dignity. And remember: we are all ageing, too.

Every driver eventually becomes a modern classic behind the wheel.

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