Older driver report public next month

Keeping older drivers safer on Queensland roads will be the focus of an up-coming report which will be open for public comment next month.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the report from an expert committee was due in early October and would be open for public feedback.

“There have been a number of studies into drivers over the age of 75 and I’ve asked the panel to finalise their recommendations to present to the government and people of Queensland,” Mr Emerson said.

“The panel includes members from groups representing seniors, Police, medical experts, motoring groups, academics and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“Older drivers are not over represented in crash statistics with 4.4 per cent of licence holders over the age of 75 being involved in about 2.7 per cent of all crashes.

“However there are 160,000 license holders over the age of 75 in Queensland and as that number increases it is important that we continue to ensure our laws and guidelines are best practice.”

The expert panel will look at a number of reports, including recommendations from respected Queensland organisations RACQ and CARRS-Q.

“For example, the older driver committee is looking at the involvement of family members in the decision making process,” Mr Emerson said.

“I personally support and encourage family members to contact their doctor if they are concerned about a senior relative’s ability to drive, but the decision should rest with the driver and their medical specialists.”

Some of the other recommendation being considered by the panel include:

-Better information for GPs and doctors to suggest driving restrictions.

-More education awareness for older drivers

-Annual medical checks and the age of requiring a medical certificate.

-Reporting of medical conditions.

-Legal protection for professions such as occupational therapists, optometrists or physiotherapists to report older drivers.

The finding of a report into the Q-SAFE driver license tests was released last month with public comment due to close today.

The report is available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 16 September 2012

Media Contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625