By XAVIER SMERDON
GETTING behind the wheel of a car is a risk for anyone, no matter how long you have been driving.
Older drivers are being encouraged to make sure they are at the top of their game by taking part in a Senior Drivers Expo.
Organised by road safety advocacy group, RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council, the expos are designed to help older drivers stay safe on the road for longer.
RoadSafe Westgate Older Drivers program co-ordinator Mr Leigh Hardinge said senior drivers were frequently represented as being involved in a lot of road crashes. It is also often suggested that they are not involved in crashes but cause them.
“The evidence tells us that senior drivers are much less likely to be involved in crashes than novice drivers. Monash University research also tells us that senior drivers are not more likely to cause crashes than younger people,” Mr Hardinge said.
“The fact that senior drivers, in general, are relatively safe, doesn’t mean that they can’t improve. After all, it’s a long time since that licence test at age 18.”
All drivers, regardless of age, must report to VicRoads any long-term or permanent health condition that may affect their fitness to drive.
Mr Hardinge said if residents were unaware whether or not a health condition should be reported, they should ask their doctor.
The next Senior Drivers Expo will be held on Saturday 31 August in Altona. Places are limited and bookings are essential. For more information contact Mr Hardinge on 9315 9464.
The Victorian Community Road Safety Partnership Program has provided contribution funding to support RoadSafe Westgate in addressing local road safety issues.
