Older driver review open for feedback

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the report by the Older Driver Safety Advisory Committee included 26 recommendations to be considered by the Newman Government.

“Before we consider those recommendations I want to hear the feedback of the community, particularly older drivers or those who may have friends or family members who are older drivers,” Mr Emerson said.

“Unlike drivers aged between 16 and 24, drivers aged over 75 aren’t over-represented in crash statistics – about 2.7 per cent of crashes involve older drivers who hold 4.4 per cent of Queensland licenses.

“However with an ageing population and 160,000 license holders over the age of 75, it’s important that we continue to review safety.

“Independence and mobility are important to many elderly people, therefore I want to support the safety of those drivers and all road users.”

The report recommends maintaining the current five-year driver licence option for older drivers but renewing medical certificates annually.

Other recommendations include information for GPs and optometrists to help them better understand medical conditions that impact on driving ability, and reviewing speed limit criteria to take account of the ageing driver population.

“Some of the recommendations published are also pertinent to drivers of all ages, such as undertaking voluntary hazard-perception testing and buying vehicles with high safety ratings,” Mr Emerson said.

The report will be open for public comment for one month.

To read the report and the full 26 recommendation visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637