Elderly drivers hit the road
Elderly drivers are reportedly the fastest growing group of licence holders on Queensland roads, with numbers increasing nearly 20% in three years. Latest licensing statistics, released by Transport and Main Roads, shows there are almost 160,000 drivers in the 75 years-plus age group in Queensland.
Elderly drivers are reportedly the fastest growing group of licence holders on Queensland roads, with numbers increasing nearly 20% in three years.
Latest licensing statistics, released by Transport and Main Roads, shows there are almost 160,000 drivers in the 75 years-plus age group in Queensland – including 50 who are just learning how to drive.
The Herald Sun reveals the figure has grown 13% in three years, from 140,585 in 2009. Another 131,159 drivers are aged from 70 to 74 years, up 19.6% since 2009. Of those, 142 drivers are learners.
The figures have reportedly raised concerns about the safety risks involving ageing drivers, who contributed to more than one in five fatal road crashes in the past year (22.6%).
But Dr Mark King, from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland, said the current requirement for people aged 75 years and over to hold a medical certificate to drive, issued at the doctor’s discretion, appeared to be adequate.
Val French from Older People Speak out said it was important to elderly people that they be able to retain a driver’s licence.
