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With regards to road safety, Australians 40 years and above are becoming the subject of intense scrutiny. This age group has, for some reason, been identified as the bulk of road safety concerns, insurance claims, and self-reported accidents. Within this age bracket, it is important to note, that driving as an activity is not considered dangerous. Subtle characteristics such as lack of proper functioning and poor decision making are important contributors to the problem. In the past, road safety campaigns tended to focus on new and old drivers. There is now growing evidence suggesting that middle age Australians are now the most at risk drivers on Australian roads.
Underlying Issues that Have Increased Risk
There are a multitude of safety concerns for over 40’s drivers. Besides physical incapacity due to aging, one major factor is a lackadaisical posture towards driving responsibilities. Research indicates that the lowest levels of road safety awareness is a common phenomenon among old and young drivers alike. This is a problem, more so, for people over 40, as there is an alarming increase in number of road safety rule violations.
Increased Enforcement and Sanctions
In response to this threat, authorities in Australia have ‘focused sharpened enforcement efforts on drivers age 40 to 70. More strict fines have been issued for offenses involving mobile phone use, and drink and driving. Officials say 30 km/h speed limit overage offenders may be issued tickets over $1300 along with heavy demerit points, long suspension on driving, and other fines. People in this age range with chronic repeating offenses are subject to even more severe dispositions. These people carry the burden as role models to younger people.
Increased and Expanded Efforts at Road Safety
Transportation departments and road safety advocates within Australia, and even abroad, are focusing on cutting age-appropriate interventions for middle-aged drivers. They say ignoring the need for this group’s targeted interventions may guarantee needless road deaths and injuries. Addressing ‘awareness and other educational materials that outline pre-emptive measures are proposed to be ‘cornerstones that need to be put in place to deal with the overwhelming need to target drivers over 40, particularly long-distance riders.
The Changes Refreshers And Advanced Defensive Driving Courses
One actionable idea that is gaining some attention is the introduction of refresher driver courses and advanced, tailored defensive driving programs aimed at mid career adults. In some jurisdictions, the renewed licenses courses that must be undertaken at the ages of 40 or 45 and upwards are intended to maintain and refine the safety and driving skills of the holders. Community-sponsored public safety programs are an integral part of enabling the enforcement of responsible driving practices and lowering the incidence of driving mishaps in this age group.
Road Safety As A Shared Responsibility
It is emphasized that road safety, in this regard, is a collective concern of all road users, and does not devolve to only young beginners or the older population. Drivers in the age group of over 40 are particularly called upon to maintain a high level of active driving consciousness, especially when they are responsible for families or undertaking long commutes to work. Through personal responsibility in managing their health and road discipline, and traffic laws in active self-supervision, this category of drivers can make a difference in the worrying problem of road accidents that is being witnessed in Australia.]