Road safety expert weighs in on mandatory testing for older drivers

A 92-year-old who drove into the Yarra River has ignited conversation about introducing mandatory testing for elderly drivers, but a road trauma expert is “not convinced” it’s necessary.

Former Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore doesn’t support mandatory testing for older drivers, but says it’s “incumbent on every family to start to have this conversation about driving … with your own family”.

Press PLAY below to hear his view

Mr Calafiore says “there’s no doubt” older drivers will be an issue of growing concern in coming years, because they’re more likely to be killed or seriously injured if involved in collisions.

“If you’re an older driver in an older car the chances of you getting seriously injured or killed are actually quite high,” he told Neil Mitchell.

Lucky escape for 92-year-old after car plunges into the Yarra River