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ROAD SAFETY for SENIORS. Presented by: Brian Everitt Manager – RACQ Driver Education. Driver Safety Education & Training - 2649 Logan Rd. Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113. DRIVER EDUCATION UNIT. Provides the following services:. Safe Driving Advice Recommended Driving Schools
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ROAD SAFETY for SENIORS Presented by: Brian Everitt Manager – RACQ Driver Education Driver Safety Education & Training - 2649 Logan Rd. Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113
DRIVER EDUCATION UNIT Provides the following services: • Safe Driving Advice • Recommended Driving Schools • Road Safety Lectures • Driver Assessment Service • Driver Education Program • Driver Rehabilitation Program • Years Ahead Program
Qld Road Toll 1980 - 2006 • Fatalities: Source: Qld Transport
Casualties by Severity (Qld) = 12545 people per year OR 35.2 Qld’ers per day Source: Qld Transport & Qld Police Service Statistics (2004/5) Transport - Road Traffic Crashes in Queensland
Traffic Crash Costs The total cost of road crashes in Australia in 1996 was conservatively estimated at approximately: $15 Billion Estimate for 2007: $18-20 Billion
Qld Road Toll (2005) Driver, Passenger, Pedestrian & Motorcyclist Fatalities in Queensland (2004) Source: ATSB Road Deaths Summary, 2005 (includes pillion passengers).
Crash Risk Serious Injury Crash Risk by Driver Age, 1996. Source: MUARC submission, 2003.
Years Ahead • The Years Ahead Program is a (solely) RACQ-funded, free-to-community, driver awareness program that informs older drivers of road safety issues that may affect them, and examines ways in which they can reduce their risk of being involved in a road crash and continue driving safer for longer.
Years Ahead • The program consists of 3 components: • Years Ahead Workshop presentations on safety issues, awareness and the application of the road rules. • An individual on-roadYears AheadRefresher Drive with a qualified driving instructor. • A comprehensive “Refresh” Handbook on age-related safety issues, defensive driving techniques, road signs and markings and sharing the road with others.
What is Covered • Road Rules. • Difficult Driving Situations. • Defensive Driving Tips. • Other Road Safety Issues. • Physical Fitness to Drive. • Your Driving Future. • Crash Involvement.
KNOWING THE ROAD RULES • Road rules are provided for guidance, control, and uniformity to ensure the correct and safe movement of vehicles and other road users within an area or length of road. • Most drivers don’t have a clear understanding. • Many drivers are unaware of certain rule changes. • Many are still not aware of the introduction of the Australian Road Rules.
MEDICAL CONDITION REPORTING • Drivers who suffer permanent or long-term medical conditions that adversely affect their ability to drive safely must notify Qld Transport as soon as possible. • Failure to do so may result in a $4500 penalty and licence disqualification. • Medical conditions include (but not limited to): • Diabetes (early and late onset) • Epilepsy • Heart disease • Strokes • Arthritis and other joint problems • Eye problems (eg. Cataracts) • Hearing disorders • Sleep disorders • Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders • Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease • Depression and other mental health problems • Lung disease • Injuries and disabilities
……….IN SUMMARY • Years Ahead was developed to cater primarily for older drivers, • RACQ designed, funds and conducts this program, • We currently have the resources to conduct about 50-60 presentations per year, • We (try) to travel to regional locations every second year, • For regional tours we collaborate with Seniors’ groups who promote and coordinate presentations in their area. • RACQ does not believe this program to be a solution to the current or future road toll, more as a chance to raise awareness of some issues facing older road users.
‘…a must for all Queenslanders’ Presented by: Brian Everitt Manager - Driver Education SAFE DRIVING Traffic and Safety Department. 179 Water St. Spring Hill Qld 4006