Media Release - 19 October 2006

Older drivers keep themselves safe – research

Many older drivers are keeping themselves safe on the roads by regulating when, where and how they drive, according to two studies commissioned by the NRMA – ACT Road Safety Trust.

The Trust funded the studies to better understand older driver behaviour and factors that could affect future crash rates.

“The studies indicated most older drivers were safe and in absolute numbers were not considered a large road safety issue,” Chairman of the Trust, Professor Don Aitkin AO, said.

“However, the number of older drivers on Australian roads is increasing as baby-boomers – who grew up with the car – age and keep driving.

“As a result of that increase, particularly in older women, older driver casualty crashes could increase substantially without active intervention.”

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) studies found that many older drivers modified their driving patterns. They drove shorter distances, less often and avoided driving in the wet, at night and in busy traffic.

“The research also revealed some drivers who should have been modifying their behaviour were not,” said Senior Research Fellow Dr Judith Charlton.

“It is of concern that some of these drivers actually considered their health and functional abilities had declined, yet had not changed their driving patterns to reflect this,” Dr Charlton said.

“There may also be other drivers who are neither aware of their declining abilities nor modify their driving appropriately. Significant impairment in cognitive performance or motor skills can increase crash risk.”

Senior Research Fellow Dr Jennie Oxley added there might be additional factors specific to older female drivers, such as those who suddenly become the main driver in the household through illness or death of a partner.

“So it’s important they maintain their driving experience to avoid losing confidence behind the wheel, particularly in complex situations such as intersections,” Dr Oxley said.

The studies also found that some older people who had stopped driving did so because of illness, concerns about their safety and ability, a lack of enjoyment of driving, the availability of other transport options, and the high cost of running a car. Others stopped because of concerns expressed by family or doctors.

The MUARC researchers said that many drivers who stopped driving were comfortable and even relieved with their decision, and their mobility had not been compromised.

“Many were able to utilise public transport, neighbours, friends and family, and did not feel isolated as a result of their decision,” Dr Oxley said.

“The Trust has recently approved a further $118,000 funding for MUARC to develop and evaluate an educational and training package for older drivers in the ACT as a result of the studies. The Trust has now committed more than $341,000 in the past two years to the cause of older driver safety, “ Professor Aitkin said.

The MUARC researchers welcomed the opportunity to increase awareness of changing abilities and promote the importance of maintaining safe driving practices for older drivers.

The two studies, ‘Self-regulatory driving practices amongst older drivers’ and ‘Crash risk of older female drivers’, have been forwarded to both the ACT Government and the Council on the Ageing (ACT).

The reports are available at www.roadsafetytrust.org.au or www.monash.edu.au/muarc

Media contacts : Professor Don Aitkin AO Chairman (02) 6161 0176 or Mr Eddie Wheeler, Secretary/Manager (02) 6207 7151 or 0409 918 589

Dr Judith Charlton on (03) 9905 1903 or 0438 525 366 or
Dr Jennie Oxley on (03) 9905 4374 or 0419 885 112 or Senior Media Communications Officer Ms Allison Harding on 0419 302 520.