Korosec: "Restricting older people's mobility has an enormous negative impact on their quality of life!"

2023-05-20 11:31:04

President of the Seniors’ Association continues to fight against age-discriminatory plans by the EU Commission for mandatory driving tests from the age of 70.

Vienna (OTS) – On the occasion of today’s discussion, Senior Citizens’ Association President Ingrid Korosec renewed her clear no to the age-discriminatory plans of the EU Commission to introduce mandatory driving tests and shorter driving license restrictions for over-70s.

„Restricting the mobility of older people has an enormous negative impact on their quality of life. Because mobility is the prerequisite for an independent, self-determined life! In contrast to urban areas with their dense public transport network, a car and a driver’s license are often essential for participating in social life in rural areas. They are often the only sensible choice for visiting the doctor, going to the pharmacy, going to therapy sessions, shopping for groceries or going to the bank.”added by Ingrid Korosec.

She points out that, statistically speaking, there is no significantly different accident risk between younger and older road users:
“Older road users do not pose a greater safety risk than other age groups. Therefore, they must not be treated differently than all other road users. However, I am in favor of sensible measures for more safety when driving, for example voluntary roadworthiness tests at the ÖAMTC or ARBÖ. I will therefore, together with the Austrian Senior Citizens’ Council, take a firm stand against all those who condemn, stigmatize and discriminate against older road users in general!”concludes Korosec.