The report from the Older Drivers Task Force recommended that the DVLA should require evidence of an eyesight test at age 75. This would also lead to the DVLA, insurers and others to encourage vision checks every two years, particularly from drivers over the age of 60.
“Yep, the first four years I was driving like Stirling Moss and received a six-month ban.
“Teenagers are the ones driving way too fast. I was that teenager.
“At 21 I learnt a lesson when my insurance went through the roof.”
A third reader claimed the proposals were a form of “discrimination”.
They continued, saying: “Young drivers are more likely to crash or cause accidents than older more experienced drivers.”
The report stated that drivers over 70 are less likely to be involved in crashes involving speed, loss of control or alcohol as a cause.
They are more likely to be involved in a right of way violation, and by 75, older drivers are twice as likely to be killed at T-junctions.
For every mile driven, the risk of a person aged 80 or more being killed while driving is, overall, some 10 times higher than the lowest risk age group, those between 40 and 49 years old.
Andy Watson, CEO of Ageas UK, contributed to the Supporting Safe Driving into Old Age report and said something needed to be done.
He said: “Ageas is the third largest motor insurer in the UK and a leading provider of insurance to drivers over 50.
“We spotted from our claims data that older drivers – the over 75s – became less safe as the years went by and, considering they drive fewer miles, became involved in more really serious crashes than middle-aged drivers.
“Often accidents involved vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists.
“In November 2014, the Road Safety Foundation’s Making Road Safety Pay report recommended that the UK follow in the footsteps of the USA and devise a strategy for older drivers.”
The study, which was funded by the Department for Transport, recommended introducing mandatory eyesight testing with an optometrist or medical practitioner.
Another proposal included a national roll-out of an alternative to prosecution for careless driving for older motorists.
This could include classes and meetings with occupational therapists.
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