People who are older

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People who are older have gained a lifetime of experience and skill on the road. They generally act responsibly as pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and drivers. Their mobility is very important so they can maintain their connections with family, friends and the wider community.

As people age they generally adapt well to any loss or reduction in sensory abilities, such as in vision and hearing. However, the ageing process can cause increased risks on the road, particularly for those aged 80 and over.

Drivers who are older

Increase in driver fragility with age
American research found that the chance of an older driver dying as a result of a car crash was three times more likely than a younger driver if they sustain serious injuries. Their increased casualty rates are affected by a greater frailty and reduced ability to recover from injury.

Older driver fatalities and casualties
In terms of driver involvement in fatal crashes, older drivers who account for 24% are nearly equal with younger drivers involved in fatal crashes who account for 26%. They are also involved in significantly more fatal and casualty crashes per head of population. For more information, refer to Older people in crashes.

However, they do not currently represent a major road safety problem in South Australia in terms of the number of road crash casualties. They represented only about 13 percent of all drivers involved in crashes resulting in serious injuries and approximately 10 percent of all drivers involved in crashes resulting in minor injuries for 1998. This is compared to younger drivers aged 16-25 years who represented about 35 percent of drivers involved in serious and minor crashes.

An increasing issue
This is a complex issue. There is great variation among drivers of particular ages and even though crash rates for older drivers are high, variations between individuals driving abilities make it difficult to determine driver-testing requirements purely on an age-related basis. This issue is increasingly being considered as one of people’s Fitness to Drive instead.

This is increasingly significant when you consider the proportion of people in the community aged over 65 is expected to double in the next 30 years. Therefore, the Government has developed information particularly relevant to the needs of older people as drivers and pedestrians to assist them to increase their safety.

The South Australian Handbook for Older Drivers

Older pedestrians
People who are older are also at higher risk of death and injury as pedestrians. For more information, refer to Older pedestrians – Walk with Care program.

Other Important Information
Fitness to Drive
Public Transport
Cycling and the law
For when you transport your grandchildren: Seatbelts & Child Restraints