Go easy on older drivers
Further relaxation of driving regulations for older Australians is needed, according to a Western Australian seniors lobby group. While older drivers are an easy target for criticism on the road, research by the WA Office of Road Safety shows they are not disproportionately represented in crash statistics, The Weekend Courier reports.
Further relaxation of driving regulations for older Australians is needed, according to a Western Australian seniors lobby group.
While older drivers are an easy target for criticism on the road, research by the WA Office of Road Safety shows they are not disproportionately represented in crash statistics, The Weekend Courier reports.
Based on this research, in April this year changes to the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2008 made it no longer necessary for drivers aged 75 and 78 years to pass a medical check to have their licence renewed.
Those aged 80 to 84 years still need to pass a medical test and those aged 85 years or older still need to pass annual seniors’ on-road practical driving assessment.
The WA Self Funded Retirees, Probus and Retired Commonwealth Officers’ Association has written to the minister claiming Western Australia is the only state that still “discriminates against older citizens in this way”.
The WA Association of Independent Retirees (WAAIR) also discussed the matter at its committee meeting recently. WAAIR president, Don Keene, said members did not want to be discriminated against but also didn’t want to see bad drivers on the road who shouldn’t be there.
“But if the research shows older drivers are not overrepresented in crash statistics, it seems sensible to advocate that driving and medical tests be abolished otherwise it is discrimination,” he said.
“What usually happens as people age is that they decide themselves when it’s time to stop driving or their kids make the decision for them.”
The association has also called for legislation to create an identity card with a photo for when seniors no longer have a driver’s licence for proof of identity.
Do you agree there needs to be some leniency for older Australians getting behind the wheel of a vehicle?
