OVER the past three years there have been several changes when it comes to obtaining a drivers license for seniors, but has it been for the better?
In 2012 State government rule changes meant that elderly drivers aged 75 and 78 were no longer required to pass a medical examination.
The medical examination requirement for seniors had stood since 1975 but it was found that it was not justified following road safety research for those under 80.
As it stands today, drivers aged 80 years and over are required to undergo a medical assessment each year and would only sit a C-class driving test if a doctor recommended it.
In December 2013, the driving regulations for seniors were again relaxed with drivers over 85 years old no longer required to undertake a practical driver assessment unless recommended by a health professional.
Previously those aged over 85 were required to complete a compulsory annual assessment.
Seniors are often accused as being poor drivers but statistics relating to a period from 2003-2012 reported by the Western Australian Office of Road Safety showed that just 16 per cent of those killed on WA roads were aged 60 and over.
Sid Wilson, an 82-year-old driver and a member of the Mandurah Roadwise Committee since 1996, said it was good that seniors no longer had to put up with the stresses of a driving test.
“Talking to seniors you find out that they find it awkward and are put off having a stranger in the car with them,” he said.
“Their doctors would know best whether they can drive or not anyway.
“If I didn’t think I could drive anymore I would hand my license in,” something Mr Wilson thought the majority of elderly drivers would also do. Mr Wilson also believed seniors posed no greater risk on the roads than any other age group.
“I would say seniors are less of a risk,” he said. “Seniors realise how short life is and are more cautious than the younger drivers.
“They also have had more experience.”
So have the rules changes caused the number of seniors in crashes to rise?
The Department of Transport says no.
“At this time there is no evidence that the removal of compulsory age based driving assessments for people aged 85 years and older has had an adverse impact on road safety outcomes,” a Department of Transport spokesperson said.
“The Department will continue to monitor the data as it becomes available. “There is no intention to reintroduce age based practical driving assessments.”
Mr Wilson said the Mandurah Roadwise Committee saw inattention as the number one reason for accidents.
“People talking on their phone and impatient drivers [are the biggest concerns],” he said.
If anyone is concerned that their driving ability is diminishing at any point they should contact their health professional.
The health professional can suggest putting measures in place such as not driving at night to make drivers more comfortable.
For more information, go to transport.wa.gov.au
