New for 2019 are policies and programs relating to the improvement of the road safety record of older Australians for the 68 + aged drivers. It tries to address a very specific risk that is associated with older drivers while at the same time helping the older population to maintain the selfserve movement without risking road safety.
New Vision Standards for Elderly Drivers Can Be Increased
Deteriorating vision is a major contributing factor for the accidents involving older senior drivers. Australian traffic law at 68 plus years of age has has given a driving range vision excitedly more attention from law and traffic strategy. These lawfully defined vision assessments ensure that the test taker is able to determine the legal vision standards, more so, for driving with respect to the time of day and even more so with respect to visibility constrained due to weather. Always and everywhere vision screening is critical at that age. Where vision is a major determining parameter to screen, it is absolutely critical.
Why This Warning Matters
The statistics reveal that reaction delays and impaired vision put drivers aged 68 and older at an increased likelihood of sustaining injuries in an accident. This warning is not a prohibition to drive, rather, it is a proactive approach that urges older adults to control their driving habits more stringently. It is worth noting that experts highlight the recognition of age-associated changes in older adults as a way of assisting them in sidestepping the potentially risky scenario of driving at night, or driving in intricate, highly congested areas.
Supporting Senior Drivers’ Autonomy
The Australian approach to this issue is to seek a balance between safety and independence. It has been established that the absence of mobility and independence is detrimental to the mental well-being and social integration of older persons. In this regard, the warning is more an invitation than a directive and suggests that older persons should more regularly evaluate their driving and mobility skills and alternates to using a car, such as public transport or a ride-share.
Practical Advice for Safer Driving at 68+
In addition to this new warning for senior drivers, the following steps should also be taken:
Driving should be restricted to daylight hours.
Selling a car should be considered.
Traffic jam hours should be avoided.
Driving habits should be restricted to driving in circles
Routine vision testing should be conducted.
Driving habits should be talked about with family and medical personnel.
To conclude, Australia’s new traffic policy cautioning on drivers aged 68 and above earmarks the consequences of sight while driving and prompts older drivers to take appropriate action towards ensuring their utmost safety. This approach helps to foster road safety for all, whilst also acknowledging the autonomy of senior Australians.