Driving fitness checks for seniors: safety in road traffic!

Driving fitness checks for seniors: safety in road traffic!

Leinzell, Deutschland - In 2022, the Aalen police headquarters registered a total of 25,429 traffic accidents, while in 2023 the number decreased to 25,298 accidents. The age group of seniors, who have caused 1,719 accidents during this time, is particularly discussed. This raises questions about the suitability of older road users. Against this background, Heike Hilbig, owner of the Hilbig driving school, conducts driving fitness checks for seniors in cooperation with the ADAC to assess her driving skills. Hilbig emphasizes that age alone is not an indicator of driving suitability.

In 2023, around 1.9 million people over 65 in Baden-Württemberg had a driver's license. In view of this number, both the ADAC and Hilbig advocate that seniors from the age of 70 regularly carry out a voluntary driving fitness check that is not considered an exam. This check takes place in your own car on the usual routes and is carried out by specially qualified driving instructors. During the check, several criteria such as vehicle handling and forward -looking driving are observed.

driving fitness checks in detail

The ADAC offers its driving fitness check, which consists of a personal preliminary discussion, a 45-minute trip as well as comprehensive advice and evaluation, both ADAC members and non-members. The price for members starts at 75 euros, for other interested parties at 95 euros. "The results of the check are not reported to official bodies, the participants themselves decide on the consequences," explains Hilbig. In recent years, she has supported participants up to 100 years and found that some seniors should do without driving earlier.

• One of the main advantages of the check is the possibility of getting to know driving assistance systems such as the corner assistant and braking assistants, which makes driving safer.
• in 2024, a total of 310 people took part in the driving fitness check in Baden-Württemberg.

Hilbig speaks openly about possible restrictions and alternatives to driving. These approaches are an answer to the concern that older people are increasingly regarded as a problem group in road traffic. However, studies by the Federal Statistical Office show that seniors are less likely to be involved in accidents with personal injury than younger age groups.

medical reviews and alternative offers

doctors can only check basic physical requirements for driving, such as the general health of the elderly. Various institutions offer mobility or fitness checks for a detailed assessment, in particular with regard to traffic safety and driving behavior. Among other things, after traffic medical examinations, Dekra also conducts traffic psychological assessments.

The ADAC does not plan any special legal regulations for older driving license owners, but sees it as important to support these seniors in their need for mobility and at the same time ensure their safety in road traffic. The TÜV and other organizations also offer security seminars and training for older road users to ensure that they can continue to drive with competence and self -confidence.