Media Release

Attention: News editors/transport reporters 16 May 2006

Age-based testing on older drivers doesn’t work - researchers

Testing drivers once they reach a certain age will not prevent deaths and injuries on Australian roads, say researchers at the Monash University Accident Research Centre.

Fitness-to-drive studies in Australia and overseas have repeatedly shown that age-based mandatory tests are ineffective in recognising at-risk drivers, the researchers say.

Senior research fellow Dr Judith Charlton says that older drivers are a relatively small problem on Australian roads compared to other driving groups, and that serious crashes involving older drivers often have more to do with the driver’s frailty than ability.

“There is simply no evidence that mandatory age based assessment works,” Dr Charlton says.

Instead, a more strategic approach is needed as the number of older drivers will increase as baby-boomers – who grew up with the car – age and keep driving. It has been predicted that older driver casualty crashes might increase substantially, primarily because of demographic changes.

Centre researchers believe Australia needs a unified approach to older drivers that does not involve mandatory age-based assessment, with consistent legislation throughout the states and territories.

Currently, Tasmania, NSW, Western Australia and South Australia have stringent assessments requiring medical examinations and on-road testing for specific age groups, while Victoria and the Northern Territory have no regular testing. Queensland and the ACT require mandatory medical examinations, but generally no on-road tests.

MUARC senior research fellow Mr Jim Langford says the Austroads licensing model, developed by the centre, is the preferred option. It includes the establishment of community notification sources – including doctors, relatives, friends and police – and multi-tiered off-road and on-road assessment.

A key component of the model is that only older (and other) drivers considered to be at risk need to be assessed – and can therefore be tested in greater detail. While some of the assessment instruments are still being developed and validated, the model is being considered by individual state authorities.

“Mandatory assessment can mean older people need to walk to maintain mobility and independence if they lose (or more likely, surrender) their licence, and this can actually increase their overall accident risk,” Mr Langford says. “And stopping driving can result not just in access difficulties but also in considerable distress and a lowering of self-esteem and dignity.”

While the recent accident involving Sydney burns victim Sophie Delezio has prompted various state governments to call for tougher approaches to older drivers, MUARC researchers say identifying drivers likely to be at-risk due to impairment and functional ability is a more realistic approach.

Mr Jim Langford can be contacted on 9905 1275 or 0418 351 100. Dr Judith Charlton can be reached on 9905 1903 or 0438 525 366. Media can also contact Allison Harding, MUARC media communications officer, on 0419 302 520 or 9905 1255.