Older drivers
Older drivers (aged 75 years and above) face a significantly higher risk of death or serious injury than drivers aged 40 to 50 years. As Victoria’s population ages, the safety of older road users will be a key concern for an increasingly large percentage of the Victorian community. New initiatives taken under the First Action Plan will encourage drivers to prepare for the effects of ageing on their mobility and driving abilities, as well as carrying out further research into safer road use for older drivers.
| Area of action |
Actions |
| Public education |
- Undertake public education and awareness activities to:
- promote safe travel practices, through activities that include the Victorian Older Drivers’ Handbook, SafeDrive and Years Ahead
- provide SafeDrive Medical On-line Learning to health professionals
- provide information to assist older drivers in the transition from driving to non-driving and the use of alternative transport
- increase understanding of the contribution fragility makes to older road user trauma
- encourage take up of vehicles with high level safety features by older drivers.
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| Infrastructure |
- Improve land use planning, road design and road signs to cater for older road users.
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Research and data
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- Collect and analyse data on older road user travel patterns and crash risk.
- Investigate the effects of visual impairments, medication and medical conditions, licence restrictions and assessment methods on crash risk.
- Develop and pilot alternative local transport services.
- Identify alternative ways to manage licensing of drivers affected by cognitive impairment, including dementia.
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