Placeholder Content Image

Senior drivers in this state are losing their licences in record numbers

<p>Victorian senior motorists are being driven off the roads in record numbers, with new data showing that 57 elderly drivers have their licences suspended or cancelled every week.</p> <p>Data obtained by the <em>Sunday Herald Sun</em> found that in the past financial year, 2,969 drivers over the age of 71 had the licences suspended or cancelled, figure that has more than doubled to the 1,269 drivers grounded in 2014-15.</p> <p>Senior drivers make up almost three-quarters of the 36,639 Victorians who have their licences suspended or cancelled, but the state government is standing by current regulations that do not enforce compulsory driver tests.</p> <p>Instead, seniors must be reported by family or friends.</p> <p>“We support people maintaining their mobility and their capacity to drive for as long as they are safe to do so,” VicRoads vehicle access director Robyn Seymour said.</p> <p>“However, we also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all road users. We encourage family members to have a conversation with their relatives if they have concerns about their fitness to drive.”</p> <p>Mandatory testing is common in other states, with older drivers in New South Wales and Queensland over the age of 75 requiring annual medical examinations.</p> <p>Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donellan said the Andrews Government had no plans to introduce mandatory retesting.</p> <p>“The system is based on a person’s fitness to drive and it is robust and fair for all Victorians,” he said.</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Should Victoria introduce mandatory testing for drivers over a certain age? Or do other states have better measures in place?</p>

Insurance

Our Partners