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Older Road Users (70+)

When we age, our reaction time may slow down and we might face health conditions. Changes to our vision or hearing can also occur. Medications we take might affect our safety on the road. Research shows these factors can play a big role in crashes involving older road users.

Older pedestrians

As we age there is a higher risk of getting hit by a vehicle, and unfortunately, a crash usually results in a loss of life, often due to the person's frailty.

Older pedestrians may need more time to navigate and cross the road, so road users need to keep this in mind.

Older drivers

Older drivers tend to be more careful and make fewer risky choices than other age groups. While older drivers are involved in fewer crashes, crashes involving them can be more severe. This is, in part, because older adults may be more frail, and sometimes as a result of the lower level of protection provided by older vehicles.

Making improvements to the road environment is also important in reducing and simplifying decision-making for the driver.

Read our safe driving tips for older drivers on My Licence.

If you're worried about someone’s driving

It can be difficult to know what to do if you have concerns about someone’s driving.

My Licence provides tips and information, including how to start the conversation.

Obligations and opportunities for older drivers

Moving Right Along: Obligations and Opportunities for Older Drivers (PDF, 2546 KB) provides information about:

  • issues facing older drivers
  • driving safely
  • alternatives to driving.

This resource for communities, individuals, families and friends includes:

  • maintaining the ability to drive safely and effectively for as long as practicable
  • the effects that ageing, medical conditions and medications have on driving
  • maintaining mobility and preparing to drive less or giving up driving altogether
  • helping a family member or friend face the issue of reducing or giving up driving
  • fitness to drive, the Driver Medical Assessment and Practical Driving Assessment
  • the legal obligations of licensed drivers in South Australia
  • motorised mobility scooters
  • alternatives to driving
  • how to ensure you continue to drive safely.

To order a hard copy, email DIT.RoadSafety@sa.gov.au.

Medical fitness to drive

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles must ensure all drivers are medically fit and able to drive competently and safely. The safety of other people depends on your fitness to drive.

  • If you ever feel like you may not be in a fit state to drive, then do not drive.
  • If you feel unsure about your health and how it could affect your driving ability, talk to your doctor.

For more information, including alternative means of transport, read The Driver’s Handbook section on fitness to drive.

Mobility scooters

Motorised mobility scooters can be a great way for those with disabilities, illnesses, injuries, or age-related limitations to get around more easily and independently. These devices are also known as mobility scooters, motorised wheelchairs, motorised mobility devices or gophers.

Before you get a scooter, there are a few things to consider:

  • Talk to your doctor to help you decide if a scooter is right for you, considering your physical and mental abilities to operate one safely. Some medications can also affect how well you can use a scooter.
  • Think about where and how you plan to use the scooter. Will you need to take it on public transport? Make sure the scooter you choose is the right size and type for your needs.

For more information, download Moving Right Along: Obligations and Opportunities for Older Drivers (PDF, 2546 KB).

Buying a safe car

If you are thinking of changing your car, consider purchasing the newest and safest vehicle you can afford.

New cars often have the latest safety technology, making them safer than older models. Research shows that if we all drove the safest car in its class, the number of serious injuries and lives lost would reduce dramatically.

Using safer vehicles could benefit older drivers and offer better protection in case of a crash.

To help you choose the newest, safest and most suitable vehicle you can afford, please read Safe Vehicles.