According to some experts, older drivers should be wary of these models. After years of ingrained habits, these cars would not be the safest.
When we have been driving for many years, our actions become automatic. We know where to put our foot, how to change gear and brake without having to think about our actions… But changing cars or occasionally driving a loved one’s car is not so simple. Even for a short walk, you have to gradually get used to new reflexes, and this is all the more difficult for older people.
And even if recent models are designed to simplify driving for motorists, they are not recommended for everyone. According to experts from Older Driver Forum, the latest innovations such as automatic transmissions, driving assistance or intelligent controls aimed at making the movement more fluid and limiting fatigue can turn against the most experienced drivers. “After years of manual driving, switching to automatic can be confusing“, they specify. “We do not recommend suddenly switching from a manual to an automatic transmission without having taken driving lessons. Unfortunately, we hear too often about incidents of pedal confusion among drivers switching from a manual to an automatic transmission without taking a course to get used to the differences.” recommend the specialists.
Experts highlight another difficulty: the coexistence of manual and automatic cars in daily use. In a manual car, you manage the clutch and the gears; in an automatic, it’s the machine that takes care of it. The error is possible: we can forget that the brake pedal is also the only one in an automatic: some people may try to “release the clutch” in an automatic, or unintentionally press the wrong pedal.
Didier, who recently opted for an automatic car, tells us that he had difficulty at the start when trying to get into an acceleration lane. “The car got there gradually, but at that precise moment, it would have needed a big boost of the accelerator, because a car was arriving almost at the same time as me, result: I had to brake suddenly because I did not know how to manage the options, whereas I would have had time to pass with a manual by accelerating more quickly”, he tells us.
For older drivers, a few tips can help. First, stay with a car that you know well, if possible manual, or at least a model that you have been able to test for a long time. If you want to switch to automatic, do so gradually, practicing on simple journeys. Always remain vigilant when faced with new technologies: driving aids do not replace attention. Finally, consult a specialist (driving school, instructor) to train specifically for the chosen vehicle, and give yourself time to readjust your reflexes.
