Making driving more difficult for elderly

Queensland drivers aged over 75 years could face tougher regulations – including annual medical checks and more powers for doctors and family members to recommend licence restrictions.

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Scott Emerson, said he had commissioned a panel of doctors, medical experts and driving groups to consider toughening restrictions on elderly drivers.

The panel would be asked to consider compulsory health checks for drivers over the age of 75 years and give family members more input into decisions about elderly licence holders.

Mr Emerson claimed the government wanted to make driving safer for elderly Queenslanders.

“There are 160,000 licence holders over the age of 75 years in Queensland, and as that number increases, it is important we continue to ensure our laws and guidelines are best practice,” he said last week.

“I personally believe our senior drivers are generally safe and responsible – more so than some other age groups.

“While senior drivers aren’t overrepresented in crash data, it is important that as our population continues to age we review our laws and regulations.”

Older People Speak Out president, Val French, agreed doctors should have the final say, but believed relatives should not remain passive to the driving concerns of their loved ones.

The panel will deliver its report to the government next month.