The WA Government has announced a commitment to improve road safety for those most impacted by road trauma through a new partnership with Western Australia’s seniors peak body, Advocare.
Over the next three years, Advocare will work with older Western Australians to better understand the factors that shape their driving experience.
“As we grow older, our bodies may become more vulnerable to serious injury, making road safety even more important,” said Road Safety Minister, Reece Whitby.
“While older adults represent a smaller group of drivers, those aged 80 and over face a disproportionately high risk of being seriously injured or killed in road incidents.
“This highlights the need for compassionate, tailored support that honours independence and prioritises wellbeing.”
Through a combination of consultation and research, Advocare will deepen its understanding of what matters most to older adults, to ensure safety on the road, the Government said in a statement.
This will inform the development of responses to support decision making, promote independence, and reflect the lifelong skills and contributions of older drivers, it said.
The final phase will pilot and evaluate new approaches across metropolitan and regional communities grounded in real-life experiences and responsive to the diversity of older people’s lives.
“As a free, not-for-profit and WA-based advocacy service, Advocare plays a vital role in empowering older Western Australians to make informed decisions about their care and wellbeing,” said Aged Care and Seniors Minister, Simone McGurk.
“Independence is deeply tied to wellbeing in later life, and older Western Australians deserve to feel safe and confident on our roads.
“Together, we’re driving change that helps seniors stay active, connected, and safe.”
The $355,000 partnership is funded under the Everyday Safer road safety program – a commitment of the Driving Change Road Safety Strategy for Western Australia 2020-2030 to encourage positive road safety behaviours and attitudes across the ages and stages of road users most impacted by road trauma in WA.
Launched in June, the year 7 and 8 incursion program Road Smart Kickstart was the first initiative to be delivered under the program, followed by a new partnership in August with Playgroup WA to reach families with children aged 0 to 4.
More information can be found at everydaysafer.wa.gov.au.
