A Wagga Highway Patrol chief has expressed concern about the diminished skills of some elderly drivers, calling on families to “have the conversation”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Senior Sergeant Chris Upton said an increase in incidences relating to older residents driving dangerously was “becoming a real issue”.
It follows what could have been a tragic accident at Sturt Mall on Wednesday, February 15.
An 89-year-old woman had been trapped in her car after she crashed through the front of a shop on Wagga’s main street, mistaking drive for reverse.
Sergeant Upton said it was fortunate no bystanders were injured.
He said one older gentleman in Young had not been so fortunate recently after he allegedly pulled out in front of a truck and tragically lost his life.
“Obviously with an aging population we are seeing this happening more and more,” Sergeant Upton said.
“For some, their reaction time and focus isn’t as it was when they were younger.”
Even though it was a tough conversation to have, Sergeant Upton said families needed to step up.
“It takes a community to raise a child and to look after the elderly,” he said.
“We need to let them know when we don’t believe their ability to drive is suitable.”
He said from personal experience how hard it was to threaten a loved one’s independence but it was sometimes necessary.
At present, anyone 85-years old or more must have their driving ability tested every two years to maintain an unrestricted license. Alternatively a restricted license allows drivers to make small trips within a specified radius of their home.
Despite the small distances travelled on a restricted license, Sergeant Upton said mandatory testing should apply to everyone.
“Some do have good reaction times but we threw a blanket rule over all P-Platers so it should be the same for everyone over a certain age,” he said.
“You don’t even need to drive two kilometres to cause a fatality.”