Driving shift: Senior road safety debate heats up in this Aussie state

Navigating the roads of life can be just as tricky as navigating the roads Down Under, especially as people age.

For many in the over-60s club, driving is synonymous with independence, but it's also a responsibility that one must manage with care.

In one Aussie state, the conversation about older drivers and road safety is heating up, which could mean changes are on the horizon for how seniors maintain their driver's licenses.


Currently, there's no Australia-wide standard for assessing the driving capabilities of older individuals.

However, a recent push in Victoria is aiming to tighten the reins on how seniors renew their driving privileges, following some alarming statistics.

Over the past five years, drivers over the age of 65 have been involved in accidents that resulted in 145 fatalities and 7,080 injuries.

These figures have sparked a debate on whether stricter regulations could potentially save lives.


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More stringent regulations for older drivers in Victoria were being urged due to alarming accident statistics involving those aged 65 and above. Credits: Shutterstock


Dr Anita Muñoz from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is advocating for expanded regulations in Victoria.

‘This is not about discriminating against older people,’ she explained, 'but a recognition that the skills required to drive safely can be lost as we get older.’

The tragic story of Hugh Roberts, a teenager struck by an older driver, added a personal and poignant dimension to the discussion.

His parents, Meiko and Alex, are calling for tougher regulations, highlighting the devastating impact that an accident can have on families.

‘His life was completely messed up because of this old guy driving crazily,’ Ms Roberts said.

‘He shouldn't have been driving,’ Hugh’s father added.

‘Maybe there are 87-year-olds who can drive safely, but you would want to have that checked.’


Rather than being compelled to take a mandatory test, older Victorian drivers only need to disclose any medical condition that might affect their driving ability.

‘It makes me very nervous as a clinician because it is up to the patient to act on my advice and notify VicRoads,’ Dr Kate Gregorevic explained.

She emphasised that driving provides older individuals with freedom and independence, but stressed the importance of an annual driving and medical evaluation.

In contrast, New South Wales has a more stringent measure.

Drivers aged 75 and over must undergo an annual medical test, and those over 85 must pass a practical driving test every two years.

Many elderly NSW drivers opt for a modified license to avoid the on-road tests, which limit their driving distance and may include nighttime restrictions.


Dr Muñoz suggested that annual medical examinations would enable drivers to be informed about health issues that could impact their driving abilities.

On the other hand, Chris Potaris, CEO of Council on the Ageing Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria, argued that mandatory testing could lead to older drivers giving up their licenses prematurely.

'We continue to support Victoria's approach, which emphasises a driver's behaviour and medical fitness to operate a motor vehicle,' he asserted.

‘Driving should be based on ability, not on age.’


As older drivers in Victoria face discussions about changes to their license requirements, millions of motorists across the state are gearing up for a major shift in licensing regulations.

The proposed alterations, including the introduction of medical assessments for older drivers, have sparked debates about safety and independence among senior citizens.

This move comes as the state is experiencing significant adjustments in its driving regulations, prompting concerns and discussions among older drivers and the broader community.
Key Takeaways
  • Calls are increasing for stricter regulations on older drivers in Victoria due to concerning accident statistics involving drivers over 65.
  • Disturbing figures show that older drivers were responsible for accidents resulting in 145 deaths and injurious to 7,080 over five years.
  • Current Victorian regulations only require older drivers to self-report medical conditions affecting their driving, without mandatory tests.
  • In contrast, NSW requires drivers aged 75 and over to undergo an annual medical assessment, and those over 85 must also complete a practical driving test every two years.
What are your thoughts on this proposed change? Do you think this should be applied across the country? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
 
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I am an older driver 85 I think it’s a very good thing to be monitored as we don’t realise ourselves how we have changed
I have been having annual medical for driving for some years, no big deal. This year 1st physical test is booked, I’m happy to do this as I want to make sure I’m still safe behind the wheel
Better to be safe than sorry is a true motto
I agree with you about this issue. I think an added condition that your Driving Record should be a good indication wether or not you continue to drive as well as a Medical annually.
Losing my Licence would be devastating .
I am the Primary Carer for my 23 year old
Grandson, who is on the Autism Spectrum I need my licence to take him to a range of Doctor's Appointments and Activities. However I would be happy to have my Driver's Licence Record speaking for me. In 60 years of Driving I have only one accident,that should never have happened.
 
Given the number of young folks driving into houses it might be worthwhile to have regular driving tests for over 85's and under 30's.
My first test is this year and, whilst driving is no problem, I'm worried about the questions. When it comes to distances I'm super conservative but I don't remember the legal figures. So lots of study in the meantime.
 
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Query - Why does Australia have so many different laws for the same thing. Yes, we might the land mass but we will never have the head count.
 
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We live in Qld and from the age of 75 you must fill in a form every year to take to your doctor for him to assess if you are fit to drive, you must also have an eye test.We have done this for the last 5 years or so and we don't have a problem with it,anything to make the roads safer.
 
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All drivers should do a driver and medical test every 5-10 years. Its ridiculous that you do a test once and that's it for the next 60 years or so. Road rules change, road conditions change, we physically change. Don't just target seniors - everyone should do it.
 
‘Driving should be based on ability, not on age.’ This statement sums it up simply and fairly.
I agree whole heartedly that there are seniors that should NOT be on the road. My partners parents are a prime example. The other side of the coin exposes much younger drivers that should be made go through annual testing, especially repeat offenders that commit violations or serious injury.
I'm not sure if it is a lack of concentration or inability to drive but mistaking the accelerator for the break is out of control. This would also trigger mandatory testing.
To start on reviewing one category of drivers is not the answer. Get serious and do all ages. Maybe the amount demerit points lost could be one trigger to start with.
 
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Well I drive in NSW and each year my Dr. must assess me before I can get my license renewed. I am 74, but have atrial fibulation, no heart attack yet thank god but, it is always better to be safe than sorry. So I am in agreeance with check ups for the elderly.
 
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No driving licence should be issued to any person before they are 28 years old and have learnt responsibility for others. There are enough middle-aged bogans on the roads as it is; why let young ones loose on us?.

Oh, by the way how about establishing decent public transport so that the elderly can go shopping and can socialise. Over to you, O powerful medical profession who are happy to see we elderly out of our cars and off the road!
 
How many people have died on the roads over the last 5 years by drivers under the age of 65 ?
Yes!! This is very one sided. There are a lot of factor that haven't been uncovered and pointing the finger at aged drivers. There is no mention of facilities caused by mid aged drivers or younger people. There are good drivers and BAD habits that were taught from day one. Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege and people should respect that..
 
I am 75 years old.I have been a professional driver for most of that time,various types of trucks,taxis,even raced speedway.I travel 100km daily commute still,and in this travel I witness many driving mistakes,mostly from untrained people who have obtained a license too easily.If an annual review of a license is to take place age is not necessarily the criteria!
Those that have been trained to pass the test rather than to drive should be subject to same standards!
 
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Now the FACTS to dispel the MYTHS.

The 40 to 64 age group had the most road accident deaths

There have been 367 road accident deaths in the 40 to 64-year-old age group. The type of accidents this age group are commonly involved in are nose-to-tail crashes and sideswipes.

The second-highest category of fatalities by age is 17 to 25, with a total of 223 deaths in 2022. This figure is followed by the age group of 26 to 39 (219 deaths), 75 and over (146 deaths), 65 to 74 (114 deaths) and 0 to 16 (61 deaths).

The 0 to 16 age group figure has not changed in the last year but increased from 45 fatalities in 2020 to 61 in 2021.

Car accidents are a top concern for over 70% of people aged 65+. While more than 58% of those aged between 35 and 44 are also most worried about car accidents, only 2.1% fear a train crash. In the 18 to 24 age bracket, 58.7% are concerned about the scenario of a car accident as well.


Source: https://www.savvy.com.au/media-releases/australian-car-accidents-report-2022-statistics-deadly-causes-and-how-to-minimise-your-risk/#:~:text=The 40 to 64 age group had the most road accident deaths&text=This figure is followed by,2020 to 61 in 2021.

For those who are skeptical of these figures, check the Australian Government's Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics website.
 
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