Experts suggest that Australians over the age of 50 should be required to attend driving lessons to reduce the number of road accidents, reports the “Daily Mail”.

A new report suggests that Australian drivers over the age of 50 should take driving lessons to reduce the number of road accidents. A study conducted by UNSW in Sydney indicates that such a step would improve the skills of older drivers. An AAMI survey revealed that drivers over 65 are the most prone to accidents, accounting for 26 per cent of all collisions.

Increase in accidents among older drivers

Professor Kaarin Anstey from UNSW emphasises that drivers over 50 should update their driving skills.

People don’t naturally ask themselves “do I need to update my driving skills, says Professor Anstey, quoted by the portal. She proposes that after turning 50, drivers should be invited to additional driving lessons.

Research has shown that the number of accidents among people over 80 has increased. So far, this problem has been addressed by revoking driver’s licences, which is a radical approach. Professor Anstey notes that many mistakes stem from habits acquired in youth, such as improper turning or failing to maintain the lane.

Better drive study

Professor Anstey conducted the Better Drive Study, which aimed to improve the safety of older drivers. The study involved drivers over 65, divided into three groups. One group participated in a refresher course on road regulations, the second received video feedback, and the third had driving lessons.

The study’s findings, set for publication in 2025, show that participants experienced an improvement in their driving skills. According to Professor Anstey, the pilot study revealed that a notable number of participants shifted from risky drivers to safer ones. In 2023, Australia saw its highest road fatality count in over five years, with 1,253 driver deaths.