Initiative details
The main road safety challenges we are addressing relate to the increasing number and vulnerability of older road users in traffic.
As life expectancy increases and people remain mobile longer, the proportion of senior drivers is growing. This trend brings several safety-related challenges:
1. Age-related decline in driving abilities:
With age, many individuals experience reduced visual acuity, slower reaction times, decreased attention span, and limited cognitive and physical flexibility — all of which can impair driving performance and increase crash risk, particularly in complex traffic situations.
2. Lack of awareness about new traffic infrastructure and rules:
Many older drivers may not be familiar with modern traffic features such as roundabouts, dynamic signage, or changes in highway driving behavior. This lack of familiarity can lead to confusion, hesitation, or incorrect maneuvers.
3. Delayed self-recognition of diminished driving fitness:
Seniors often have difficulty recognizing or accepting their own limitations. Without proper guidance, they may continue driving when it is no longer safe, putting themselves and others at risk.
4. Insufficient communication about legal obligations:
Older drivers are often unaware of the legal requirements surrounding driver’s license renewal, mandatory medical assessments, and other responsibilities related to continued driving.
5. Limited knowledge about alternative mobility options:
When it becomes unsafe to drive, older adults may not know what options are available to them, which can lead to social isolation and a decline in independence.
6. Stereotypes and lack of societal support:
Older drivers are often unfairly stigmatized, which may discourage them from seeking help, discussing concerns, or exploring new solutions. At the same time, the broader community may not be sufficiently informed on how to support them.
________________________________________
Our initiative addresses these problems through a combination of awareness-raising, education, respectful dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders. The goal is to promote safer, more confident participation of older adults in traffic — whether as drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers.
As life expectancy increases and people remain mobile longer, the proportion of senior drivers is growing. This trend brings several safety-related challenges:
1. Age-related decline in driving abilities:
With age, many individuals experience reduced visual acuity, slower reaction times, decreased attention span, and limited cognitive and physical flexibility — all of which can impair driving performance and increase crash risk, particularly in complex traffic situations.
2. Lack of awareness about new traffic infrastructure and rules:
Many older drivers may not be familiar with modern traffic features such as roundabouts, dynamic signage, or changes in highway driving behavior. This lack of familiarity can lead to confusion, hesitation, or incorrect maneuvers.
3. Delayed self-recognition of diminished driving fitness:
Seniors often have difficulty recognizing or accepting their own limitations. Without proper guidance, they may continue driving when it is no longer safe, putting themselves and others at risk.
4. Insufficient communication about legal obligations:
Older drivers are often unaware of the legal requirements surrounding driver’s license renewal, mandatory medical assessments, and other responsibilities related to continued driving.
5. Limited knowledge about alternative mobility options:
When it becomes unsafe to drive, older adults may not know what options are available to them, which can lead to social isolation and a decline in independence.
6. Stereotypes and lack of societal support:
Older drivers are often unfairly stigmatized, which may discourage them from seeking help, discussing concerns, or exploring new solutions. At the same time, the broader community may not be sufficiently informed on how to support them.
________________________________________
Our initiative addresses these problems through a combination of awareness-raising, education, respectful dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders. The goal is to promote safer, more confident participation of older adults in traffic — whether as drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Seniors
Car drivers
Cyclists
Micromobility riders
Pedestrians
Topic
Create awareness
Knowledge building and sharing
Organisation details
Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency
Local Public authority
Slovenia
Ljubljana
Contact name
Saša Kuhar
Telephone number
0038614788957
sasa.kuhar@avp-rs.si
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
- DARS - National company for building and management of highways in Slovenia (present the key issues that arise on highways and expressways and educate participants on proper behavior in various traffic situations).
- Slovenian Police (statistics, local traffic issues)
- Association of Pensioner's Associations of Slovenia (the workshops often take place in their venues and they inform older people about the workshop)
- Red Cross (demonstration of basic life support procedures)
- FORTOX Association (effects of certain medications, what to be mindful of before sitting behind the wheel)
- Health Centers (psychophysical capabilities of older people, health checkups, info about diabetes, blood pressure, dementia)
- Universities for the Third Age (centers of learning for older people - they raise awareness about these workshops)
- Driving Test Examiners (for Advisory Drives)
- Sopotnik (public transportation)
- Slovenian Police (statistics, local traffic issues)
- Association of Pensioner's Associations of Slovenia (the workshops often take place in their venues and they inform older people about the workshop)
- Red Cross (demonstration of basic life support procedures)
- FORTOX Association (effects of certain medications, what to be mindful of before sitting behind the wheel)
- Health Centers (psychophysical capabilities of older people, health checkups, info about diabetes, blood pressure, dementia)
- Universities for the Third Age (centers of learning for older people - they raise awareness about these workshops)
- Driving Test Examiners (for Advisory Drives)
- Sopotnik (public transportation)
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
The project "Sožitje" started in 2015 and is still ongoing. It is a long-term national initiative aimed at increasing road safety among older road users — including pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle drivers — and enabling them to participate independently, safely, and correctly by taking into account health-related criteria for safe driving.
The core goal is to ensure that older adults remain safe and confident in traffic by raising awareness about the importance of maintaining psychophysical fitness, refreshing their knowledge of traffic rules, and promoting respectful and responsible traffic behavior.
Main Activities:
1. One-day educational workshops across Slovenia:
The project is primarily implemented through interactive one-day workshops that take place in various cities and towns throughout the country. These workshops cover several key topics:
o The importance of psychophysical abilities for safe driving,
o Refresher sessions on traffic rules and infrastructure — especially updates that may have changed in recent years (e.g., new traffic signs, roundabouts, highway rules),
o Practical guidance and examples of correct behavior in traffic, including discussions of real-life scenarios and local traffic challenges,
o Promoting awareness of alternative mobility options, such as the safe use of public transport.
2. Refresher drives and demonstrations of basic life support (BLS):
During workshops, refresher drives are offered in collaboration with driving instructors. These include:
o Demonstrations of basic life support techniques, including CPR,
o Advisory drives in real traffic, where a certified driving test examiner accompanies the participant and provides:
- Instructions on proper seating position, steering wheel, and mirror adjustment,
- Personalised advice on driving behavior,
- Feedback on potential mistakes and recommendations for safer driving.
3. Printed educational materials and preventive items:
The Agency distributes a wide range of handouts, including leaflets, brochures, visibility-enhancing accessories (such as reflective bands), and other materials that support learning and promote safe behavior in traffic.
4. Stakeholder collaboration and local engagement:
The program is implemented in close cooperation with local communities, retirement associations, healthcare professionals, and traffic safety experts. These partnerships help ensure outreach, credibility, and locally adapted content.
________________________________________
Timeframe:
The project has been active since 2015 and continues today, with activities implemented throughout the year in all Slovenian regions. It forms an integral part of the National Road Safety Program 2023–2030 and supports broader efforts to improve traffic safety for an ageing population.
The core goal is to ensure that older adults remain safe and confident in traffic by raising awareness about the importance of maintaining psychophysical fitness, refreshing their knowledge of traffic rules, and promoting respectful and responsible traffic behavior.
Main Activities:
1. One-day educational workshops across Slovenia:
The project is primarily implemented through interactive one-day workshops that take place in various cities and towns throughout the country. These workshops cover several key topics:
o The importance of psychophysical abilities for safe driving,
o Refresher sessions on traffic rules and infrastructure — especially updates that may have changed in recent years (e.g., new traffic signs, roundabouts, highway rules),
o Practical guidance and examples of correct behavior in traffic, including discussions of real-life scenarios and local traffic challenges,
o Promoting awareness of alternative mobility options, such as the safe use of public transport.
2. Refresher drives and demonstrations of basic life support (BLS):
During workshops, refresher drives are offered in collaboration with driving instructors. These include:
o Demonstrations of basic life support techniques, including CPR,
o Advisory drives in real traffic, where a certified driving test examiner accompanies the participant and provides:
- Instructions on proper seating position, steering wheel, and mirror adjustment,
- Personalised advice on driving behavior,
- Feedback on potential mistakes and recommendations for safer driving.
3. Printed educational materials and preventive items:
The Agency distributes a wide range of handouts, including leaflets, brochures, visibility-enhancing accessories (such as reflective bands), and other materials that support learning and promote safe behavior in traffic.
4. Stakeholder collaboration and local engagement:
The program is implemented in close cooperation with local communities, retirement associations, healthcare professionals, and traffic safety experts. These partnerships help ensure outreach, credibility, and locally adapted content.
________________________________________
Timeframe:
The project has been active since 2015 and continues today, with activities implemented throughout the year in all Slovenian regions. It forms an integral part of the National Road Safety Program 2023–2030 and supports broader efforts to improve traffic safety for an ageing population.
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
High engagement and participation of older adults:
The one-day workshop format proved highly effective. Seniors responded positively to practical, interactive sessions in familiar local settings. The combination of theory, real-life examples, and hands-on activities (such as advisory drives or BLS demonstrations) ensured strong engagement and relevance.
2. Strong partnerships with local stakeholders:
Collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders significantly contributed to the project's success. These include:
o Retirement associations and senior clubs,
o Local municipalities and community centers,
o Healthcare professionals (e.g., general practitioners, psychologists),
o Driving instructors and examiners,
o The Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency (AVP),
o Police,
o and public transport providers.
Their involvement ensured trust, regional coverage, and access to tailored knowledge and support.
3. Practical orientation of the workshops:
The inclusion of real-world driving examples, test drives, and personalised feedback made the program tangible and directly useful for participants. Many appreciated receiving professional guidance in a supportive, non-judgmental setting.
4. Effective educational materials and visibility tools:
Handouts such as brochures, leaflets, and reflective bands helped reinforce key messages and promote safer behavior even after the workshop.
Challenges overcome:
1. Initial reluctance or fear of being judged:
Some seniors were hesitant to participate, fearing they might be told to stop driving. We addressed this by emphasizing a non-punitive, advisory approach, focused on empowerment and education — not evaluation or license revocation.
2. Geographical and logistical coverage:
Organizing workshops in smaller or remote locations required additional coordination. This was resolved through active cooperation with local communities and organizations, which helped with mobilizing participants and providing suitable venues.
3. Diverse levels of knowledge and driving experience:
Workshop participants varied significantly in their traffic knowledge and recent driving exposure. Facilitators adapted the content in real time to ensure all participants could benefit meaningfully.
4. Balancing professional content with accessibility:
Educational materials had to be both accurate and easy to understand. This required thoughtful design and continuous updates to maintain clarity and relevance for an older audience.
________________________________________
In summary, the project’s success is largely due to its community-based, respectful, and practical approach, supported by strong stakeholder collaboration and trust-building with older adults.
The one-day workshop format proved highly effective. Seniors responded positively to practical, interactive sessions in familiar local settings. The combination of theory, real-life examples, and hands-on activities (such as advisory drives or BLS demonstrations) ensured strong engagement and relevance.
2. Strong partnerships with local stakeholders:
Collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders significantly contributed to the project's success. These include:
o Retirement associations and senior clubs,
o Local municipalities and community centers,
o Healthcare professionals (e.g., general practitioners, psychologists),
o Driving instructors and examiners,
o The Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency (AVP),
o Police,
o and public transport providers.
Their involvement ensured trust, regional coverage, and access to tailored knowledge and support.
3. Practical orientation of the workshops:
The inclusion of real-world driving examples, test drives, and personalised feedback made the program tangible and directly useful for participants. Many appreciated receiving professional guidance in a supportive, non-judgmental setting.
4. Effective educational materials and visibility tools:
Handouts such as brochures, leaflets, and reflective bands helped reinforce key messages and promote safer behavior even after the workshop.
Challenges overcome:
1. Initial reluctance or fear of being judged:
Some seniors were hesitant to participate, fearing they might be told to stop driving. We addressed this by emphasizing a non-punitive, advisory approach, focused on empowerment and education — not evaluation or license revocation.
2. Geographical and logistical coverage:
Organizing workshops in smaller or remote locations required additional coordination. This was resolved through active cooperation with local communities and organizations, which helped with mobilizing participants and providing suitable venues.
3. Diverse levels of knowledge and driving experience:
Workshop participants varied significantly in their traffic knowledge and recent driving exposure. Facilitators adapted the content in real time to ensure all participants could benefit meaningfully.
4. Balancing professional content with accessibility:
Educational materials had to be both accurate and easy to understand. This required thoughtful design and continuous updates to maintain clarity and relevance for an older audience.
________________________________________
In summary, the project’s success is largely due to its community-based, respectful, and practical approach, supported by strong stakeholder collaboration and trust-building with older adults.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
The impact of the initiative has been evaluated through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods:
1. Participant feedback forms:
After each workshop, participants were invited to complete short feedback forms. These provide insights into their satisfaction, perceived usefulness of the content, and suggestions for improvement. The feedback consistently shows high appreciation for the practical focus, respectful approach, and relevance of the topics.
2. Facilitator observations and reports:
Workshop leaders regularly provide structured reports on participation levels, engagement during sessions, key questions raised by attendees, and notable trends or regional differences. These help adjust the content and delivery of future events.
3. Tracking the number and reach of workshops:
We monitor the number of workshops held, geographic distribution across Slovenia, and the number of participants reached. Over the years, the initiative has grown steadily in scope and regional presence.
4. Distribution statistics for materials:
Quantities of printed materials and visibility items (e.g. brochures, reflective bands) are tracked to assess outreach and demand.
5. Social media and media coverage analysis:
Communication efforts through social media and traditional media are monitored, including audience reach, engagement (likes, shares, comments), and qualitative responses to published content related to the initiative.
6. Long-term alignment with national traffic safety trends:
Although the direct causal impact on road safety statistics is difficult to isolate, the initiative supports the broader goals of the National Road Safety Program. Its focus on older drivers aligns with key performance indicators, such as the number of traffic accidents involving senior drivers and the adoption of safe mobility practices.
________________________________________
This multi-layered evaluation approach helps ensure the initiative remains relevant, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of older road users across Slovenia
1. Participant feedback forms:
After each workshop, participants were invited to complete short feedback forms. These provide insights into their satisfaction, perceived usefulness of the content, and suggestions for improvement. The feedback consistently shows high appreciation for the practical focus, respectful approach, and relevance of the topics.
2. Facilitator observations and reports:
Workshop leaders regularly provide structured reports on participation levels, engagement during sessions, key questions raised by attendees, and notable trends or regional differences. These help adjust the content and delivery of future events.
3. Tracking the number and reach of workshops:
We monitor the number of workshops held, geographic distribution across Slovenia, and the number of participants reached. Over the years, the initiative has grown steadily in scope and regional presence.
4. Distribution statistics for materials:
Quantities of printed materials and visibility items (e.g. brochures, reflective bands) are tracked to assess outreach and demand.
5. Social media and media coverage analysis:
Communication efforts through social media and traditional media are monitored, including audience reach, engagement (likes, shares, comments), and qualitative responses to published content related to the initiative.
6. Long-term alignment with national traffic safety trends:
Although the direct causal impact on road safety statistics is difficult to isolate, the initiative supports the broader goals of the National Road Safety Program. Its focus on older drivers aligns with key performance indicators, such as the number of traffic accidents involving senior drivers and the adoption of safe mobility practices.
________________________________________
This multi-layered evaluation approach helps ensure the initiative remains relevant, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of older road users across Slovenia
What has been the effect of the activities?
The Sožitje project has demonstrated a measurable and growing impact on promoting safe mobility among older drivers. Between 2017 and 2024, the number of participants in Sožitje activities increased significantly, with more than 2,000 attendees in both 2023 and 2024 alone. Despite temporary disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of events recovered strongly, reaching 49 events in 2024 — the highest ever.
The project has also included a high number of individual advisory drives (e.g., 248 in 2019 and 86 in 2022), helping elderly drivers better understand their own driving abilities through direct and personalized feedback. In 2023 and 2024, the average number of participants per workshop was 46 and 42 respectively, showing both high interest and effectiveness in outreach.
These results confirm the project’s growing relevance and its contribution to road safety, by empowering older drivers to stay mobile and safe, while also strengthening the culture of mutual respect and coexistence in traffic — which is exactly what the name Sožitje (Simbiosis) stands for.
The project has also included a high number of individual advisory drives (e.g., 248 in 2019 and 86 in 2022), helping elderly drivers better understand their own driving abilities through direct and personalized feedback. In 2023 and 2024, the average number of participants per workshop was 46 and 42 respectively, showing both high interest and effectiveness in outreach.
These results confirm the project’s growing relevance and its contribution to road safety, by empowering older drivers to stay mobile and safe, while also strengthening the culture of mutual respect and coexistence in traffic — which is exactly what the name Sožitje (Simbiosis) stands for.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
This initiative is a strong example of improving road safety because it takes a proactive, respectful, and evidence-based approach to addressing the specific needs of older road users.
It promotes lifelong safe mobility by combining education, practical driving support, health awareness, and legal guidance in a format that is accessible and well-received by seniors. The initiative is community-based, implemented nationwide, and built on strong partnerships with local stakeholders — ensuring relevance, trust, and sustainability.
By empowering older adults to make informed decisions about their fitness to drive and helping them adapt to evolving traffic environments, the initiative reduces risk not only for senior drivers but for all road users. It is a scalable, replicable model that aligns with national and EU road safety goals.
It promotes lifelong safe mobility by combining education, practical driving support, health awareness, and legal guidance in a format that is accessible and well-received by seniors. The initiative is community-based, implemented nationwide, and built on strong partnerships with local stakeholders — ensuring relevance, trust, and sustainability.
By empowering older adults to make informed decisions about their fitness to drive and helping them adapt to evolving traffic environments, the initiative reduces risk not only for senior drivers but for all road users. It is a scalable, replicable model that aligns with national and EU road safety goals.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
We have shared information about the project and its results through multiple communication channels, ensuring both broad public outreach and targeted stakeholder engagement.
1. Local and national media:
Project activities have been regularly featured in television, radio, print, and online news outlets. This has helped raise public awareness and highlight the importance of safe mobility for older adults.
2. Social media and the Agency’s website:
Updates, photos, educational content, and event announcements have been published through social media platforms and the Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency’s official website, reaching a wider and more diverse audience.
3. Direct communication with stakeholders:
Information was shared through newsletters, reports, and personal communication with local municipalities, retirement associations, healthcare providers, and transport professionals, who collaborate on implementation.
4. Workshops and public events:
Each workshop also serves as a direct communication platform, where participants receive printed materials and discuss key safety messages. Word-of-mouth has played an important role in encouraging participation and building trust.
5. Presentation to the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research:
The initiative and its approach were shared with the SWOV Institute in the Netherlands, allowing for exchange of knowledge and good practices at the international level.
1. Local and national media:
Project activities have been regularly featured in television, radio, print, and online news outlets. This has helped raise public awareness and highlight the importance of safe mobility for older adults.
2. Social media and the Agency’s website:
Updates, photos, educational content, and event announcements have been published through social media platforms and the Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency’s official website, reaching a wider and more diverse audience.
3. Direct communication with stakeholders:
Information was shared through newsletters, reports, and personal communication with local municipalities, retirement associations, healthcare providers, and transport professionals, who collaborate on implementation.
4. Workshops and public events:
Each workshop also serves as a direct communication platform, where participants receive printed materials and discuss key safety messages. Word-of-mouth has played an important role in encouraging participation and building trust.
5. Presentation to the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research:
The initiative and its approach were shared with the SWOV Institute in the Netherlands, allowing for exchange of knowledge and good practices at the international level.
Supporting materials
