SAFETY AND MOBILITY OF OLDER DRIVERS LIVING IN RURAL VICTORIA

In recent years, drivers over the age of 65 have been over-represented in the Victorian road toll. Of older drivers killed, a disproportionate number have been from rural areas. A qualitative research project was undertaken by the RACV to investigate the important safety and mobility issues facing older drivers who live in rural areas. Over 100 drivers, aged between 65 and 91, participated in 10 focus groups conducted throughout regional Victoria. The main findings of the research were that: older people are eager to receive road safety information; the decision of whether to stop driving was largely influenced by the availability of alternative transport; older people reported that not being able to drive would be devastating and would greatly limit their ability to participate in sporting, social and educational pastimes; and, older people ideally want alternative transport that is flexible and allows them independence, even if they have to pay for it. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no. E200232.