The motorcar and driving are hallmarks of our modern civilisation. The car makes it easy for us to attend appointments, visit friends, do our shopping, take holidays and support friends and family. Whether as the driver or as a passenger, most of us depend on the car as our principle mode of transport.

Undoubtedly the widespread availability of motorised transport has been a key force in shaping our world in the 21st century. Today, most of us take driving for granted. We assume a right to drive and we tend to assume that we will be safe. It's hard for any of us to step back and look at our own skills and assumptions about our driving objectively.

A survey by the NRMA suggested that 80% of drivers thought they were better than average! An unlikely scenario. 

So are Older Driver's Safe?

Have you heard the story about the older driver who's right leg was so "gummy" that in order to use the car's brakes, he had to use his hands to help lift it off the accelerator and place it on the brake pedal. This would be funny if not for the fact that it actually happened in Australia a few years ago.

Fortunately, most of us are very responsible as drivers and there is ample evidence that as we age, most of us make adjustments to account for the impacts of ageing on our driving ability. We recognise the changes and adjust to keep ourselves, our passengers and others safe.

COTA (ACT) has a policy of encouraging and supporting older people to remain active and maintain their driving for as long as possible. To this end we want to help ensure that you can drive safely. That is why we provide and support this site. However, as you have no doubt realised by now, there are things you need to do to remain safe on the roads. Review each of the following pages and think about what you can do to improve your safety as a driver.

Motoring Changes  |  Older Drivers Facts and Tips  |  Road Rules