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Helping Your Parents And Older Friends Stay Roadworthy


Helping Your Parents And Older Friends Stay Roadworthy

Author: NRMA MotoringDate: 18 March 2009

NRMA Motoring & Services has issued a practical guide to help people assist their elderly parents and friends to remain 'roadworthy' as part of Senior's Week celebrations.

"Most older drivers drive safely and regulate their driving to their conditions and skills but sometimes families and friends need to provide some guidance to older drivers about staying safe on the road," NRMA President Wendy Machin said today.

"The NRMA is providing a practical Driver Skills Self Assessment list to help people to self-assess their driving skills and give families and friends the ability to assess their older loved ones."

NRMA's advice to those considering assisting older people to stay mobile includes:

  • Broach the subject about future driving plans and alternatives before a crisis occurs.
  • Be sensitive when discussing driving behavior and solutions. Driving equals independence and freedom.
  • Include the older driver in all discussions that may affect their mobility.
  • Encourage future planning - devise a transportation plan in case car usage diminishes in the future.
  • Concentrate on the positive aspects of their driving - it may be that their driving needs to be modified rather than completely stopped.
  • Assist older drivers to self assess their current driving skills and to address any problems uncovered.
  • Recommend a driver refresher course.
  • Determine alternate transport options.

Ms Machin said ageing and driving can be a safe combination.

"The freedom associated with driving may not need to be compromised as people mature, what may be needed are adaptations to changing car usage," Ms Machin said.

"It is important for the community to realise that maintaining a driver's licence should be based on a driver's ability not their age. Australia's ageing population possesses an enormous range of skills and while some mental and physical abilities may decline with age, the rate and range of change varies enormously.

"We want older drivers to maintain their independence, stay mobile and stay safe."

The NRMA has launched new web pages that offer practical advice and a broad range of information specifically written to address the needs of Older Drivers to coincide with Seniors Week. Go to www.mynrma.com.au/olderdrivers

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