94-year-old from Mammendorf has been driving for 77 years – a role model for everyone!

94-year-old from Mammendorf has been driving for 77 years – a role model for everyone!

How do you stay mobile and safe behind the wheel even as you get older? A particularly impressive example comes from Mammendorf, where Konrad Huber, 94 years old, can look back on an impressive 77 years of driving license. He received his rag on October 2, 1947 with a special permit because he needed it for his parents' trucking business. Huber has only experienced one accident in these almost eight decades, which seems all the more remarkable when you consider that he carried out all the maintenance work on his 1987 Mercedes himself until he was 80 years old.

Huber regularly drives from Mammendorf to Bruck to run errands and go to the doctor. “I have my driving ability checked regularly,” he emphasizes, emphasizing the responsibility that every driver has on the road. Despite limited vision in one eye, Huber feels able to drive safely. “I constantly keep myself informed about changes in the road traffic regulations in order to avoid accidents and their consequences,” he adds.

Road safety in old age

The increasing number of older drivers raises many questions about road safety. As people age, their ability to react and their eyesight can decrease, potentially affecting their safety on the road. Statistics show that in 2023, people aged 65 and over caused 18.5% of personal injury accidents, which is less than their population share of around 22%, according to the ADAC reported. However, older road users are often at risk due to their greater vulnerability.

Huber himself sees the need to discuss driving tests for older drivers. “It is important to take your individual ability to drive into account; age alone says nothing about your ability to drive,” says Huber. The fact is that over 50% of pedestrians and cyclists who are fatally injured are in this age group. These numbers illustrate the challenges that seniors face in road traffic.

Education and support

As part of efforts to ensure safe mobility for older people, this promotes Federal Ministry of Transport various programs. These include, among other things, the German Traffic Safety Days, where important information on safe cycling, Pedelec use and more is provided. Such events are not only informative, but also free and accessible without registration.

“Safely mobile!” is another program that aims to help older road users realistically assess their performance and learn new driving techniques. Such initiatives are loud ADAC particularly important to promote independence in old age, because considering alternative forms of mobility early on can significantly improve the quality of life.

Konrad Huber is an impressive example of how it can be possible to remain safe and responsible behind the wheel even in old age. The discussion about seniors in traffic should be continued, for the benefit of all road users.