Citation

Bilban M. Coll. Antropol. 1997; 21(2): 573-583.

Affiliation

RS Institute for Occupational Safety, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Croatian Anthropological Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9439075

Abstract

Numerous factors have contributed to an increase in the number of elderly people in developed countries. This has caused an increase in the share of elderly drivers, drivers with all diseases and troubles problems brought about by old age. In 1993, less than 12% of the population of Slovenia was older than 65 years and owned slightly over 6% of personal automobiles, or were holders of slightly more than 5% of driver's licences. On average, these drivers caused about 6% of road traffic accidents (RTAs). Among fatalities who caused RTAs, about 19% were older than 65 years. Overall, the share of fatalities over 65 years of age was about 26% of all fatalities in RTAs; among pedestrians, their share was almost 42%. For the elderly, driving is an important means of maintaining freedom and independence. Their quality of life is certainly lower without their own transport. It is therefore necessary to protect the right of individuals to drive motor vehicles, but only if they possess the necessary capabilities.