Question 35870 — road safety

Summary

Accident statistics established by Road Safety show that people aged 65 and over do not form the age group most responsible for fatal accidents on the road. The first two causes identified in a fatal accident are, in descending order, speed (30%) and alcohol (18%), which mainly concern younger age groups. The introduction of a driving fitness test for all seniors therefore do not seem to be justified by an excess accident rate specific to this age group. The feedback from the States which have introduced such control also leads us to question its scope in terms of reducing accident rates. As an example, a comparison of the accident rate in Finland, which requires regular medical checks in connection with the renewal of the driving license driving from the age of 70, with Sweden, which has not introduced such age-related controls, shows no differential evolution of accident rates between these two countries. In contrast, Finland recorded a higher mortality rate than Sweden among unprotected older road users. This figure is likely linked to an increase in the number of elderly pedestrians who have lost their driving licenses. An Australian study came to a similar conclusion. The establishment of a systematic compulsory medical examination for drivers, the frequency of which could be established according to age, is therefore not envisaged in France. The European Union has also not made this type of medical examination obligatory through an evolution of the amended directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 20, 2006 relating to driving licenses. In France, the preferred approach to responding to problems linked to certain forms of driving incapacity which can affect seniors, consists of promoting dialogue between the driver and his treating doctor, in order to give useful advice linked to pathologies and medications taken, beyond the sole consideration of the driver's age. Some of these pathologies and the treatments associated with them may require adaptation of driving conditions. An agreement was signed on February 1, 2021 between the Road Safety Delegation (DSR) and the College of General Medicine in order to raise awareness among general practitioners of their role on road safety issues and to encourage them to discuss this issue with their patients, particularly seniors. Certain pathologies, marked by cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, present a greater frequency with advancing age. Work is therefore also underway between the federation of memory centers and the DSR to better assess the consequences of these pathologies on driving and to disseminate this information among health professionals. Furthermore, many driving schools, associations or insurance companies offer confidence-building meetings for driving adapted to needs of seniors. Finally, when driving is no longer possible or no longer desired, alternative mobility solutions must be considered. However, many seniors are faced with the insufficiency or unsuitability of travel options, apart from the private car. A growing number of local authorities consider the installation of seniors as an asset for their development and are now moving towards truly inclusive and local transport systems (also including active mobility) so that seniors maintain a rich social life. This approach that respects seniors seems more compatible with travel safety objectives for all road users. It was the subject of very rich discussions during the conference “mobility of seniors, living together” organized by the Delegation to Road Safety on June 29, 2021.

Machine translation from French. The official text remains authoritative.

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