SAFETY MEASURES FOR ELDERLY DRIVERS: THE SITUATION IN GERMANY

In Germany, as in other industrialised countries, the proportion of elderly people in the whole population and in the number of car drivers will increase considerably in future. Performance deficiencies depending on age render a safe participation in traffic for elderly people more difficult. This can also be seen from the increased accident risk in relation to the kilometrage of those car drivers who are 75 years of age and above, compared with the middle-aged group of drivers. The elderly driver thus represents an important target group for road safety work. Summarised in this review are those measures and approaches used or under discussion in Germany, which are intended to contribute to safer use of the roads by elderly drivers. Traffic-, vehicle- and information-related technical aids are covered, as well as safety campaigns and offers of training for this group of drivers. In addition, the legal possibilities which exist for exclusion of unsuitable elderly drivers are also discussed. Finally, some conclusions are drawn from this information regarding the future road safety work for elderly drivers.