CRASH STATISTICS

• 3 drivers over 60 years were killed
• 75 were seriously injured
  

• represented 15% of all licensed drivers
• represented 24% of all drivers killed, and
• were involved in less than 15% of all traffic accidents.
  

Age should not be considered the sole indicator of reduced driving ability. However, there is evidence that the skills necessary for safe driving begin to deteriorate with age. But the effects of aging impact on individuals at different times and in different ways. As a driver, by the time you reach your 60s and 70s, you will have acquired a wealth of motoring experience which should help you travel safely on our busy roads. Statistically, older drivers are less likely to have an accident than young and inexperienced drivers. But experience has to be balanced with the inevitable effects of aging. You may find that your sight, hearing and judgement of speed and distance are not quite as sharp as when you were younger. These are all vital factors in driving and they often deteriorate very gradually, so you may not be immediately aware of the full extent of the change.

It’s important to think about adjustment you might need to make in your driving habits and expectations and to take even greater care than ever on the road. Older drivers must have an annual medical assessment at 80 years and undertake an on-road driving test at 85 years. These legal requirements are intended to ensure your safety and that of other road users but responsibility for deciding when you should give up driving rest largely with you. Listen to advice from friends and relatives talk to your doctor or ask for an expert opinion.

FACTORS AFFECTING ROAD SAFETY FOR SENIORS

VISION
There is a general decline in ability of people to see clearly as people age. Conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts become more frequent in older people and can result in problems in reading as well as seeing clearly in traffic.

HEARING
Loss of hearing is more common among older people.
Older people who wear hearing aids may find heavy traffic noisy and confusing.

MOVEMENT
Decreased mobility associated with arthritis and other conditions is a road safety issue amongst older people. Average walking speeds drop significantly with age, and this means that more time is needed to cross the road safely.

BALANCE
Loss of balance can be a problem for older people. To compensate for this older people tend to move more slowly and less confidently.

REACTIONS
Response time to avoid traffic dangers can increase as people age. This varies greatly between individuals.

MEDICATIONS
Many seniors are required to take medications for illnesses and on-going ailments.
Some medications can affect a person’s capacity to respond quickly to dangerous road situations.

TIPS FOR SENIOR DRIVERS

1. Plan your outings to avoid heavy traffic, particularly peak hour times.
2. Avoid driving at night or in bad wether, or get someone else to drive.
3. Scan the road ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to react in emergency.
4. Take particular care when approaching intersections.
5. Ask your doctor about the possible effects of any medication you may be taking.
6. Have your vision tested regularly, especially if you experience sight problems.
7. Ensure your windscreen and glasses are clean at all times.
8. At night avoid looking directly into the lights of oncoming traffic.
9. Monitor your ability to drive. Volunteer for re-testing if you're in doubt.
10. Take advice from your family, friends and doctor about continued driving.
11. Stop the car and rest at the first signs of tiredness.
12. Take a brake from driving at least every two hours. Don't wait until you're feeling tired.
13. Breaks from driving can prevent fatigue.

Auburn City Council - Road Safety Officer
e-mail: rso@auburn.nsw.gov.au

SENIOR ROAD USERS

There are many factors that affect the safety of senior road users. 

Senior Drivers 

In the last 5 years on Auburn’s roads:

• 3 drivers over 60 years of age were killed
• 75 were seriously injured

1. Plan your outings to avoid heavy traffic, particularly peak hour times.
2. Avoid driving at night or in bad wether, or get someone else to drive.
3. Scan the road ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to react in emergency.
4. Take particular care when approaching intersections.
5. Ask your doctor about the possible effects of any medication you may be taking.
6. Have your vision tested regularly, especially if you experience sight problems.
7. Ensure your windscreen and glasses are clean at all times.
8. At night avoid looking directly into the lights of oncoming traffic.
9. Monitor your ability to drive. Volunteer for re-testing if you're in doubt.
10. Take advice from your family, friends and doctor about continued driving.
11. Stop the car and rest at the first signs of tiredness.
12. Take a brake from driving at least every two hours. Don't wait until you're feeling tired.
13. Breaks from driving can prevent fatigue. 

Senior pedestrians

In the last 5 years, 1 pedestrian was killed and 205 seriously injured on Auburn roads. 1 in 4 of these was aged over 50.

Accidents involving older people occur most commonly at intersections in urban areas, especially near shopping centres.

Most pedestrian casualties happen in low speed areas. Many accidents occur through difficulties in judging either speed or pedestrian capability.

Tips for senior pedestrians

WATCH OUT. CARS ABOUT.