Seniors Fight for Driving Rights 
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More than 300 senior drivers turned up in force to protest against proposed changes to licensing laws at a forum on Monday held by Manly MP Mike Baird. “We were stunned by the response – the Seniors Centre was overflowing with hundreds of residents in their seventies, eighties and nineties who were furious they might not be allowed to drive further than 10 kilometres from their home,” Mr Baird said. “Many of these residents drive interstate regularly and object to the assumption that they are unsafe drivers.” Along with an automatic 10-kilometre restriction once drivers turn 85, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is proposing annual medical tests begin at 75 instead of 80 years of age. “The State Minister for Roads, Mr Roozendaal, has argued the RTA’s proposal is an opportunity to address the issue of an ageing population. However, people are confused about his logic. “The RTA’s own statistics show that drivers aged 25 and younger cause five times more accidents than drivers aged 70 and over,” Mr Baird said. “A majority of people at the forum indicated they volunteer for community and charity groups so if the radius restriction was introduced the negative impact on society would be widespread. “I also disagree with a policy that further isolates senior citizens – we should be doing all we can to engage our seniors in the community and giving them more opportunities for interaction. Mr Baird said he would be making a submission to the RTA to ensure Manly’s voice is heard and will be actively campaigning against the proposal in Parliament. “This is one case where the bureaucracy has got it wrong. The first step is to stop these changes from coming into effect. The second step is to consider taking it further. “Many seniors have had experiences where instructors seem determined to fail them. There appears to be a need to review the current testing of senior drivers to ensure it is fair.” To sign a petition against the RTA’s proposal, visit Mike Baird’s office at 35 Sydney Road Manly, before 18 October. MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880 Add to:          Write Comment
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