Introduction

Updated: February 12, 2022

Road safety continues to be of enormous importance globally, with the World Health Organization projecting road traffic injuries as the world’s 5th leading cause of death by 2030. For many reasons, despite being a mostly preventable danger, many people either endanger themselves or are vulnerable to other drivers, and many consider that talking to a family member, or friend, is difficult.

Sustainably reducing road accidents and fatalities is at the heart of many public health campaigns with national and community strategies to overcome highly preventable incidents in cars and vehicles. From decreasing your speed to not driving tired, there are always ways we can be working to do our part for the good of everyone, whether a passenger or a daily driver. 

When it comes to particular communities in danger on the road, we can’t deny the evidence that shows older people having some enhanced risks as they age. While the qualitative and quantitative data indicates that there are reasons to be concerned about our senior citizens, there are steps that can be taken to manage the issue.

In light of many aging populations throughout the world, The European Commission identifies the importance of working together to support this across communities. Their safety protocol says, “ A comprehensive and proactive strategy is required to address these risk factors and meet the safety and mobility needs of elderly road users in the (near) future.” 

To delve into this topic further, Hussey Fraser produced this infographic Road Safety for Older Drivers, to help people of all ages understand how road skills and abilities shift as we age. Regardless of whether you’re the driver or are concerned about a loved one behind the wheel, they’ve explained a range of critical facts and provided thorough data analysis that you can use yourself or pass on to others. There are special courses for older adults potentially offering insurance discounts for attendees.

Above all, the goal is achieving wellbeing and safety for everyone plus encouraging positive conversations around our time spent on the roads so everyone can get home without issue or stress. Read on for the full graphic (click/tap to open in a new tab and be able to enlarge).