Reducing Older People’s Deaths

This report from ETSC examines road safety from the older person’s point of view:

Part I delves into the most recent data regarding road deaths among older people across the European Union and other countries participating in the ETSC’s Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) program. It not only highlights disparities among countries but also assesses the road safety of older individuals compared to the general population, while also examining specific road user groups and gender disparities.

Part II explores key measures aimed at reducing risks for older road users, encompassing strategies that address behaviour, infrastructure, and vehicle safety. Alongside considerations for older car drivers, such as fitness to drive and training, this section also scrutinises ways to enhance the safety of older cyclists and pedestrians. Measures like reducing speed limits, implementing 30km/h zones, establishing secure pedestrian crossings, and maintaining high-quality footpaths all play pivotal roles in enhancing road safety for older individuals.

The report suggests that age-based medical checks may not consistently prevent severe collisions and could lead to shifts to more vulnerable travel modes when older drivers cease driving. This finding is timely because the European Commission recently proposed that all drivers should be subject to regular medical checks after the age of 70 in a draft revision of EU rules on driving licenses. ETSC says such a blanket rule is discriminatory. Instead, family doctors should use a screening protocol across all age groups to flag medical conditions that could impact fitness to drive.

More advice and evidence is available on the Older Mobility forum