Some older or impaired Dunedin drivers are waiting too long before hanging up the keys, those working in the field say.
Accident statistics for older drivers pale in comparison to younger ones but some older drivers were putting themselves and others at risk, Dunedin Visually Impaired Group spokeswoman Lynley Hood said.
''Media reports of accidents involving elderly drivers suggest that some people put off the decision to stop driving for far too long.
''Perhaps the decision is just too hard but, when the lives of other road-users are at risk, it has to be faced,'' Mrs Hood said.
One of those who knows all about life after driving is Waikouaiti woman Allison West (82), who said she waited too long to stop.
She was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration when she was 78 but ''they never said stop driving'' so it was not until a compulsory health check at 80 that she was forced to stop.
''As soon as I turned 80 I was without a driving licence.''
She said her eyesight had gradually deteriorated and although she had had no serious accidents she had had problems parking her car.
''I was very lucky that I got away with it for so long.''
She has kept her car because it means friends can drive her places without having to use their own vehicles.
''When I stopped driving I was quite isolated. I had to depend on other people.''
Friends take her to swimming sessions, exercise classes, Friday nights at the RSA, to visit her sister in Gore and to the supermarket, the doctor or the dentist in Dunedin.
Retired police officer Murray Smither spent 35 years working in traffic-related duties, including as head of the commercial vehicle investigation unit. He now runs Age Concern's Staying Safe workshops.
He said while many people in their 80s were ''very competent'' drivers, common problems included loss of sight, hearing and mobility.
''As the body stiffens up a bit you are not as flexible, [for example] pulling out of a park, not making that life-saving second look around over your shoulder.
''They might be a bit slower, a bit more cautious. Overall the accident rate on older drivers is a lot less in proportion to younger drivers.''
He advised people to get regular eye checks and drive at times of the day when roads were not busy.
The Dunedin Visually Impaired Group is hosting a ''Life After Driving'' meeting at the City Library next Wednesday at 1.30pm.
