The Road Safety Commission is working to ensure older people feel safe and supported getting around their communities, whether that be as drivers, pedestrians or users of mobility devices.
Launched to coincide with Seniors Week, the $355,000 partnership with WA’s seniors peak-body Advocare will explore the challenges influencing older drivers’ awareness, confidence and safety on our roads.
Through a combination of consultation and research, Advocare will develop a better understanding of the needs of older adults across Western Australia.
This will guide the development of targeted and inclusive educational initiatives designed to support and empower them throughout every stage of their driving journey.
The final phase of the three-year partnership will involve piloting and evaluating a new service model across both metropolitan and regional areas.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said although older people make up a smaller portion of drivers on the road, those aged 80 and over had the third highest killed and seriously injured rate.
“The reality is, as we age we become frailer, and it becomes harder to survive and recover from serious injuries,” he said.
“But seniors don’t have to be drivers to be impacted by road trauma, they’re also pedestrians, passengers and users of mobility devices and we want older Western Australians to feel safe and supported on our roads whether they’re behind the wheel, crossing the street, or using mobility aids.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with the dedicated staff at Advocare, whose deep connection with the community will help us better understand the challenges older drivers face, and ensure our road safety strategies are informed, respectful, and effective.”
Advocare acting chief executive Erin Timu said the not-for-profit was committed to making road safety education more inclusive and relevant for the families they support.
“This partnership is a powerful opportunity to champion the wellbeing of older Western Australians by making road use, from vehicles to footpaths, safer, more accessible, and more inclusive.”
“We are excited to be co-creating educational tools with older people that will build confidence and support older people to stay active, informed, and independent.”
“This collaboration recognises the strength, wisdom, and ongoing contributions of older people.
“It’s about taking meaningful action to ensure they continue to thrive, stay connected, and feel safe in every aspect of their daily lives.”
The partnership is funded under the Everyday Safer road safety program – a commitment of the Driving Change Road Safety Strategy to encourage positive road safety behaviours and attitudes across the ages and stages of road users most impacted by road trauma in WA.
Launched in June, the Year 7 and 8 incursion program Road Smart Kickstart was the first initiative to be delivered under the program, followed by a new partnership in August with Playgroup WA to reach families with children aged 0 to 4.
Advocare is a not-for-profit organisation based in Western Australia that provides free, confidential, and independent advocacy and support services for older people, their families, and representatives.
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