While older drivers have relatively few crashes, they are much more likely to be severely injured or killed given crash involvement.
As people age they generally adapt well to any loss or reduction in sensory abilities, such as vision and hearing. However, increasing age may affect peoples’ physical fragility, perception of and response to hazards and their ability to recover from injury.
The older we get the more likely we are to have health conditions or take medications that affect our safety as road users. Medications can change your perception of hazards, reaction time, judgement and decision making skills when in the road environment.
Statistics
On average per year there are 17 fatalities and 93 serious injuries aged 70 years or above. People aged 70 years and over account for approximately 11% of South Australia’s population and 12% of road fatalities and 7% of road users seriously injured.
There are relatively few older drivers on the road compared to their younger counterparts and they tend to travel shorter distances. Research shows that taking into account distance travelled, their crash rates increase substantially, and especially those involving a fatal outcome.
Relative risk of death per kilometre travelled by age group
(Source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau)
One in every ten road deaths in South Australia is a pedestrian. Older pedestrians in particular have a higher risk of collision with road vehicles. This can be due to:
- deteriorating hearing, vision or balance
- reduced mobility and slower reaction times due to age
- medications that may cause dizziness, drowsiness or impaired judgement.
If an older person is hit by a car, the outcome is likely to be more severe resulting in a fatality rather than an injury. Many elderly people also have a greater reliance on walking and are therefore more likely to be exposed to traffic as pedestrians than younger age groups.
Crashes involving older pedestrians occur mainly on routine trips to local shops and recreation activities, often close to the person’s home.
FAQs
At what age do I have to be tested to retain my licence?
Drivers in SA who are aged 70 years and over are required to undertake a yearly vision and medical test. Also a registered General Practitioner, optician or physiotherapist has a duty to inform the Registrar or Motor Vehicles of any illness, disability or deficiency of any driver which may inhibit their driving ability. Please refer to the fitness to drive page for more information.
Publications
The South Australian Handbook for Older Drivers
Walk with Care Program
Links