By JOLENE OGLE
Local police are calling on the community to keep an eye out for elderly drivers who might need to surrender their licence.
The call comes after an 89-year-old driver is believed to have turned into the path of an oncoming motorcycle in Tewantin on Monday afternoon (23 November).
According to police, the 35-year-old rider was travelling west along Hilton Esplanade when he collided with a four-wheel drive travelling in the opposite direction at about 4.30pm.
The rider was taken to Noosa Hospital with serious head injuries before being airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
While investigations are continuing, Noosa Heads officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said it is becoming more common for elderly drivers to be involved in crashes.
“We are finding more and more locals in their mid-70s and mid-80s are involved in accidents throughout Noosa,” he said.
“In most cases we find their driving is not up to standard, resulting in the crashes.”
According to the latest statistics from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, there have been 218 fatalities on Queensland roads from 1 January to 22 November this year, with 12.9 per cent of the accidents involving senior drivers aged 60 and over.
According to a Queensland University of Technology study, last year 241 fatalities were recorded Australia-wide for senior adults aged over 65 years, making up 21 per cent of the national road toll compared to 16 per cent 10 years ago.
Of the senior fatalities recorded, 125 were drivers and 13 motorbike riders.
Snr Sgt McReight said relatives and neighbours can help by keeping an eye on elderly drivers.
“We know it’s hard to give up independence, but sometimes a quiet word in an elderly relative’s ear can save future trauma by them agreeing to surrender their licence,” he said.
“The other option is the police can send elderly drivers back to the Department of Transport for re-testing to make sure their driving is up to standard.”
Investigations are continuing into the crash on Hilton Terrace on Monday afternoon.
Police are calling for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
