The Rotary Club of Port Fairy hosted a very informative session on "Road Safety for Seniors" at its meeting held on 19th May, 2025 at the Stump Hotel in Port Fairy.
The guest speaker was Gerard Ryan who is the Executive Officer for RoadSafe Central Highlands, which is a community road safety council.
When presenting outside the Central Highlands region, which he does on occasions, Gerard effectively consults for the Community Road Safety programs within the Department of Transport and Planning.
An attentive audience of some 20 Rotarians and friends absorbed Gerard's many words of wisdom that targeting Safer driving practices for older drivers. He opened by saying that "older drivers are not the problem" when it comes to road accidents, but they are, nevertheless, over-represented in the statistics when it comes to the risk of serious injury or death in a crash just because of their advancing years and frailty.
Gerard pointed out that in 95% of cases, the reasons for a crash are generally caused by human error.
Modern vehicles with advanced vehicle technology - such as lane keeping, crash avoidance systems, rear vison cameras, emergency braking, cruise control and attention monitoring - all features that make the newer vehicles much safer to drive, reducing fatigue and of benefit to older drivers. Yet many drivers are guilty of "turning off" these features when they purchase a new vehicle. He strongly advocated that we all make full use of these features.
Although he covered a range of topics, Gerard, concentrated on safety tips for older drivers. These include - planning the safest route, knowing in advance where you are going, avoiding busy traffic areas (if possible), trying to avoid driving in poor weather conditions, and making sure you build in rest breaks on longer journeys.
Gerard passed around copies of a self-assessment questionnaire from Transport Victoria which can be downloaded from https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-rules-and-safety/age-and-driving-safely/ageing-and-safe-driving
Obviously, older drivers are exposed to greater medical conditions and these can affect your driving. ability - such as eyesight deterioration (reduced peripheral vision, difficulty in poor light/night vision, etc.). These can be caused by cataracts, glaucoma, macular generation and diabetic retinopathy. All conditions that increase risk for older drivers.
Gerard's presence obviously stimulated much discussion in the meeting and all present (mainly older drivers!) judged his presentation to be of great value. At the end of his presentation Gerard was thanked by our President-Elect, Graeme Cox, and presented with a small gift from the Club.
Although Ballarat-based, Gerard does have a holiday house in Port Fairy and is happy to deliver his presentation to other, local community groups in the region.
For Gerard's contact details please connect via Harry Bracegirdle at the Rotary Club (harry.bracegirdle@bigpond.com)
