Age and driving safely

Your car and your safety

With healthier lifestyles and better medical care, we are living longer than ever. But as we age, our bodies are more susceptible to injury and less able to cope with the impact of a crash.

Choosing the safest car you can afford will ensure it has features that can help you avoid a crash, as well as protect you if you're involved in a crash.

This can make all the difference to your safety, whether you're the driver or a passenger in the vehicle.

Many of us drive every day without thinking about the risks that come with being behind the wheel. All of us need to make sure we're fit to drive, or we risk harming ourselves and others.

If you have or develop a serious, permanent or long-term illness, disability, medical condition or injury, or an existing condition that deteriorates, you must:

  • talk to a doctor about how it might affect your driving
  • contact Medical Review to report your condition
  • send Medical Review a medical report from a doctor who knows your medical history.

The right car for you

Older drivers are at more risk of serious injury in a crash than all other age groups because of their increased frailty.

At 80 years of age, you are five times more likely to sustain injuries from a transport crash that will result in death when compared to 50 years of age.

The most important thing when buying a new or a used car is the vehicle’s ability to protect its occupants as well as other road users. In general, it's best to buy the newest and largest car you're comfortable with and can afford, and to consider the safety features that are offered.

Buying a car

If you can, buy a new car, or as close to a new car as you can afford. 

If buying a used car, ask the seller for a fully-documented service history of the vehicle. If a service history isn't available, be aware there may be problems which could have an impact on your safety.

Safety features

Design and technologies in new cars can help to protect you in a crash and even assist to prevent a crash. People inside a car are better protected due to modern vehicle features - such as front, side and curtain airbags.

All new cars since 2011 have electronic stability control (ESC) which can help to avoid a crash. Additional safety features to consider are auto emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning systems and lane departure systems. 

These safety features are becoming more common and can now be found in more affordable new cars.

Safety ratings

There are two programs in Australia which provide consumers with vehicle safety ratings.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) publishes reports on crash test results of new cars which describe how well they protect their occupants and pedestrians.

The Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) provides safety comparisons of used cars based on real world crashes.

The UCSR also has a category of ‘safer picks’ car models that have been found to cause less-serious injuries to other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in a crash and have lower risk of being involved in a crash.

Both programs use a star rating system from one to five stars: the more stars, the safer the vehicle. It's recommended to buy a car with a five star ANCAP or UCSR rating if you can.

Information about safety ratings for both new and used vehicles can be found on TAC's how safe is your car website.

Adjusting your car

The adjustment of your car seat, mirrors and steering wheel can make a big difference to your comfort as a driver, and even more difference to your safety.

Sitting in the right position in your car allows the safety systems to work as they were designed. Sitting in the wrong position can reduce the effectiveness of the car’s safety features.

It's important to ensure that your car is set up to suit you. Adjust the driver’s seat, internal and external mirrors, and seatbelt, to ensure you're sitting comfortably and have optimal vision of your surroundings.

If you're struggling to adjust your car yourself, an occupational therapist (OT) trained in driver assessment can provide assistance. Use our list of OTs qualified in driver assessment to find one in your area.

Modifying your car

Some modifications to your car might be needed if your physical requirements as a driver have changed due to a health condition or disability. 

In some circumstances, vehicle modifications can assist you to continue to drive safely and independently.

Examples of vehicle modifications include fitting of steering aids (such as ‘spinner knobs’), changes to pedals (like a left foot accelerator), exchanging foot pedals for hand controls, installing extended mirrors and assistance with access in and out of the car.

Before you have any such modifications made, it's important to seek independent, professional advice.

Some of these modifications can only be used by people with a disability or health condition and require the successful completion of an occupational therapy driver assessment. OTs specialising in driver assessment or Disabled Motorists Australia are a good place to start.

Resources

Find an occupational therapy driver assessor
Our list of OTs who provide occupational therapy driver assessments.

TAC's how safe is your car?
Provides safety ratings for both new and old cars

RACV shops
Brochures available at all RAVC shops include:

  • ANCAP brochures
  • Used Car Safety Ratings Buyer’s Guide
  • RACV’s Make the right choice: Vehicle safety advice for older drivers 
  • Keeping mobile: Vehicle modifications for drivers and passengers with a disability.


Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP)
ANCAP has published safety ratings and gradings for thousands of new vehicle makes, models and variants.

Disabled Motorists Australia
Email: [email protected]
Call: (03) 9386 0413
This group aims to support drivers with disabilities to obtain transportation and motoring independence. They offer member discounts, information, referrals and support on all transport and mobility issues.

Download a PDF of this page: your car and your safety (PDF).