Latest news with #AustralasianCollegeofRoadSafety
7NEWS
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Calls for national testing rules for elderly drivers after 91-year-old loses control of car, killing woman
A pedestrian is still fighting for his life in hospital while police wait to speak to an elderly driver whose car ploughed into three people, killing a woman. The tragedy could trigger changes to Victoria's licensing rules for older drivers, as one expert warns senior motorists are a critical cohort to target with safety measures. The trio were walking on a footpath in suburban Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, when a 91-year-old driver lost control of her car. The Toyota Yaris mounted a footpath before hurtling down a hill and smashing through a fence and into a bench on Thursday. The woman, 59, died at the scene while the man, 60, remains in a critical condition. The two-year-old boy was seriously injured but his condition had been stabilised in hospital on Friday. Investigators, yet to interview the elderly driver, will assess whether speed was a contributing factor. The incident has prompted the state government to consider previous calls for older people to prove they are fit to drive, in line with rules in other states. Victoria does not have age-based driving safety requirements, although drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licence every three years, which can involve various tests. NSW, Queensland, the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers older than 75 to have a health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required to renew a driver's licence from the age of 80. There were two critical times in a driver's road safety journey, Australian Road Safety Foundation chair Russell White said. They were the first five years after obtaining their P-plates and from the age of 55 onwards. 'Where it might be inexperience and a bit of bravado at the younger-driver end, the delayed reaction, poor vision, health issues and cognitive ability all decline as we get older,' White told AAP. But individual drivers had varied abilities as they aged, so a staged approach was needed. Australasian College of Road Safety chief executive Ingrid Johnston has called for a study to compare the outcomes of various jurisdictional models to determine the best approach to roll out nationally. She said authorities also needed to support older drivers with opportunities to maintain safe driving and provide alternatives when that might no longer be possible. The crash happened during the first week of Victorian school holidays, bringing the state's road toll to 14 in seven days.
The Advertiser
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Man fights for life as elderly driver rules questioned
A pedestrian is still fighting for his life in hospital while police wait to speak to an elderly driver whose car ploughed into three people, killing a woman. The tragedy could trigger changes to Victoria's licensing rules for older drivers, as one expert warns senior motorists are a critical cohort to target with safety measures. The trio were walking on a footpath in suburban Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, when a 91-year-old driver lost control of her car. The Toyota Yaris mounted a footpath before hurtling down a hill and smashing through a fence and into a bench on Thursday. The woman, 59, died at the scene while the man, 60, remains in a critical condition. The two-year-old boy was seriously injured but his condition had been stabilised in hospital on Friday. Investigators, yet to interview the elderly driver, will assess whether speed was a contributing factor. The incident has prompted the state government to consider previous calls for older people to prove they are fit to drive, in line with rules in other states. Victoria does not have age-based driving safety requirements, although drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licence every three years, which can involve various tests. NSW, Queensland, the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers older than 75 to have a health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required to renew a driver's licence from the age of 80. There were two critical times in a driver's road safety journey, Australian Road Safety Foundation chair Russell White said. They were the first five years after obtaining their P-plates and from the age of 55 onwards. "Where it might be inexperience and a bit of bravado at the younger-driver end, the delayed reaction, poor vision, health issues and cognitive ability all decline as we get older," Mr White told AAP. But individual drivers had varied abilities as they aged, so a staged approach was needed. Australasian College of Road Safety chief executive Ingrid Johnston has called for a study to compare the outcomes of various jurisdictional models to determine the best approach to roll out nationally. She said authorities also needed to support older drivers with opportunities to maintain safe driving and provide alternatives when that might no longer be possible. The crash happened during the first week of Victorian school holidays, bringing the state's road toll to 14 in seven days. A pedestrian is still fighting for his life in hospital while police wait to speak to an elderly driver whose car ploughed into three people, killing a woman. The tragedy could trigger changes to Victoria's licensing rules for older drivers, as one expert warns senior motorists are a critical cohort to target with safety measures. The trio were walking on a footpath in suburban Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, when a 91-year-old driver lost control of her car. The Toyota Yaris mounted a footpath before hurtling down a hill and smashing through a fence and into a bench on Thursday. The woman, 59, died at the scene while the man, 60, remains in a critical condition. The two-year-old boy was seriously injured but his condition had been stabilised in hospital on Friday. Investigators, yet to interview the elderly driver, will assess whether speed was a contributing factor. The incident has prompted the state government to consider previous calls for older people to prove they are fit to drive, in line with rules in other states. Victoria does not have age-based driving safety requirements, although drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licence every three years, which can involve various tests. NSW, Queensland, the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers older than 75 to have a health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required to renew a driver's licence from the age of 80. There were two critical times in a driver's road safety journey, Australian Road Safety Foundation chair Russell White said. They were the first five years after obtaining their P-plates and from the age of 55 onwards. "Where it might be inexperience and a bit of bravado at the younger-driver end, the delayed reaction, poor vision, health issues and cognitive ability all decline as we get older," Mr White told AAP. But individual drivers had varied abilities as they aged, so a staged approach was needed. Australasian College of Road Safety chief executive Ingrid Johnston has called for a study to compare the outcomes of various jurisdictional models to determine the best approach to roll out nationally. She said authorities also needed to support older drivers with opportunities to maintain safe driving and provide alternatives when that might no longer be possible. The crash happened during the first week of Victorian school holidays, bringing the state's road toll to 14 in seven days. A pedestrian is still fighting for his life in hospital while police wait to speak to an elderly driver whose car ploughed into three people, killing a woman. The tragedy could trigger changes to Victoria's licensing rules for older drivers, as one expert warns senior motorists are a critical cohort to target with safety measures. The trio were walking on a footpath in suburban Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, when a 91-year-old driver lost control of her car. The Toyota Yaris mounted a footpath before hurtling down a hill and smashing through a fence and into a bench on Thursday. The woman, 59, died at the scene while the man, 60, remains in a critical condition. The two-year-old boy was seriously injured but his condition had been stabilised in hospital on Friday. Investigators, yet to interview the elderly driver, will assess whether speed was a contributing factor. The incident has prompted the state government to consider previous calls for older people to prove they are fit to drive, in line with rules in other states. Victoria does not have age-based driving safety requirements, although drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licence every three years, which can involve various tests. NSW, Queensland, the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers older than 75 to have a health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required to renew a driver's licence from the age of 80. There were two critical times in a driver's road safety journey, Australian Road Safety Foundation chair Russell White said. They were the first five years after obtaining their P-plates and from the age of 55 onwards. "Where it might be inexperience and a bit of bravado at the younger-driver end, the delayed reaction, poor vision, health issues and cognitive ability all decline as we get older," Mr White told AAP. But individual drivers had varied abilities as they aged, so a staged approach was needed. Australasian College of Road Safety chief executive Ingrid Johnston has called for a study to compare the outcomes of various jurisdictional models to determine the best approach to roll out nationally. She said authorities also needed to support older drivers with opportunities to maintain safe driving and provide alternatives when that might no longer be possible. The crash happened during the first week of Victorian school holidays, bringing the state's road toll to 14 in seven days. A pedestrian is still fighting for his life in hospital while police wait to speak to an elderly driver whose car ploughed into three people, killing a woman. The tragedy could trigger changes to Victoria's licensing rules for older drivers, as one expert warns senior motorists are a critical cohort to target with safety measures. The trio were walking on a footpath in suburban Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, when a 91-year-old driver lost control of her car. The Toyota Yaris mounted a footpath before hurtling down a hill and smashing through a fence and into a bench on Thursday. The woman, 59, died at the scene while the man, 60, remains in a critical condition. The two-year-old boy was seriously injured but his condition had been stabilised in hospital on Friday. Investigators, yet to interview the elderly driver, will assess whether speed was a contributing factor. The incident has prompted the state government to consider previous calls for older people to prove they are fit to drive, in line with rules in other states. Victoria does not have age-based driving safety requirements, although drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licence every three years, which can involve various tests. NSW, Queensland, the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers older than 75 to have a health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required to renew a driver's licence from the age of 80. There were two critical times in a driver's road safety journey, Australian Road Safety Foundation chair Russell White said. They were the first five years after obtaining their P-plates and from the age of 55 onwards. "Where it might be inexperience and a bit of bravado at the younger-driver end, the delayed reaction, poor vision, health issues and cognitive ability all decline as we get older," Mr White told AAP. But individual drivers had varied abilities as they aged, so a staged approach was needed. Australasian College of Road Safety chief executive Ingrid Johnston has called for a study to compare the outcomes of various jurisdictional models to determine the best approach to roll out nationally. She said authorities also needed to support older drivers with opportunities to maintain safe driving and provide alternatives when that might no longer be possible. The crash happened during the first week of Victorian school holidays, bringing the state's road toll to 14 in seven days.
Perth Now
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Man fights for life as elderly driver rules questioned
A pedestrian is still fighting for his life in hospital while police wait to speak to an elderly driver whose car ploughed into three people, killing a woman. The tragedy could trigger changes to Victoria's licensing rules for older drivers, as one expert warns senior motorists are a critical cohort to target with safety measures. The trio were walking on a footpath in suburban Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, when a 91-year-old driver lost control of her car. The Toyota Yaris mounted a footpath before hurtling down a hill and smashing through a fence and into a bench on Thursday. The woman, 59, died at the scene while the man, 60, remains in a critical condition. The two-year-old boy was seriously injured but his condition had been stabilised in hospital on Friday. Investigators, yet to interview the elderly driver, will assess whether speed was a contributing factor. The incident has prompted the state government to consider previous calls for older people to prove they are fit to drive, in line with rules in other states. Victoria does not have age-based driving safety requirements, although drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licence every three years, which can involve various tests. NSW, Queensland, the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers older than 75 to have a health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required to renew a driver's licence from the age of 80. There were two critical times in a driver's road safety journey, Australian Road Safety Foundation chair Russell White said. They were the first five years after obtaining their P-plates and from the age of 55 onwards. "Where it might be inexperience and a bit of bravado at the younger-driver end, the delayed reaction, poor vision, health issues and cognitive ability all decline as we get older," Mr White told AAP. But individual drivers had varied abilities as they aged, so a staged approach was needed. Australasian College of Road Safety chief executive Ingrid Johnston has called for a study to compare the outcomes of various jurisdictional models to determine the best approach to roll out nationally. She said authorities also needed to support older drivers with opportunities to maintain safe driving and provide alternatives when that might no longer be possible. The crash happened during the first week of Victorian school holidays, bringing the state's road toll to 14 in seven days.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Nominations Now Open – Recognising Excellence In Road Safety Reporting
Press Release – Australasian College of Road Safety This initiative reflects the Australasian College of Road Safetys commitment to promoting informed, evidence-led public dialogue as a key driver of road safety for all. Do you know a journalist or media outlet making a real difference through powerful reporting on road safety? The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 ACRS Road Safety Reporting Award. This prestigious award recognises outstanding journalism that raises awareness, drives public dialogue, and contributes to the reduction of road trauma across Australia, New Zealand, and the region. Award highlights: Open to individuals or teams working across print, broadcast, or digital media Recognises reporting that informs, educates, and promotes road safety Winner announced at the annual Australasian Road Safety Conference (ARSC) Opportunity to showcase your work to leading road safety experts and policymakers Submissions must have been published or aired between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025. Those submitting are invited to showcase how their work incorporates credible research, amplifies stakeholder voices, raises public awareness, and advocates for change to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. This initiative reflects the Australasian College of Road Safety's commitment to promoting informed, evidence-led public dialogue as a key driver of road safety for all. If you or someone you know has published compelling journalism that advances public understanding of road safety, we encourage you to nominate now (terms & conditions apply). The winner of the Road Safety Reporting Award receives:
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Nominations Now Open - Recognising Excellence In Road Safety Reporting
Do you know a journalist or media outlet making a real difference through powerful reporting on road safety? The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 ACRS Road Safety Reporting Award. This prestigious award recognises outstanding journalism that raises awareness, drives public dialogue, and contributes to the reduction of road trauma across Australia, New Zealand, and the region. Award highlights: Open to individuals or teams working across print, broadcast, or digital media Recognises reporting that informs, educates, and promotes road safety Winner announced at the annual Australasian Road Safety Conference (ARSC) Opportunity to showcase your work to leading road safety experts and policymakers Submissions must have been published or aired between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025. Those submitting are invited to showcase how their work incorporates credible research, amplifies stakeholder voices, raises public awareness, and advocates for change to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. This initiative reflects the Australasian College of Road Safety's commitment to promoting informed, evidence-led public dialogue as a key driver of road safety for all. If you or someone you know has published compelling journalism that advances public understanding of road safety, we encourage you to nominate now (terms & conditions apply). The winner of the Road Safety Reporting Award receives:
