Demographic change – State of knowledge and recommended measures to ensure safe mobility of elderly road users
The increasing number of elderly road users has given rise to research projects in many areas in recent years. The Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) has now published an overview showing the current state of research. Mobility needs as well as age-related, driving-relevant performance changes and the compensatory strategies of elderly drivers were comprehensively described as key aspects. It could be concluded that age in itself does not yet justify a general examination of driving ability.
However, the potentials of elderly road users should be better exploited in order to maintain active participation in road traffic for as long as possible. Targeted training and education as well as an increased involvement of general practitioners are among suitable measures. The introduction of a labelling system for medicines, which emphasises impairments of driving ability, is regarded as sensible. At the vehicle technology level, assistance systems provide elderly drivers with welcome support. However, the operation has to be self-explanatory and must not lead to excessive demands.