Motoring experts have called for elderly drivers to be subject to more frequent checks to ensure they are safe to be behind the wheel following the release of new statistics.
There are around six million drivers over the age of 70 who hold full driving licences in Great Britain, accounting for 14 percent of all drivers.
Among this age category Department for Transport (DfT) data shows that in 2022 there were 386 fatalities recorded, which is a 26 percent increase for females and five percent for males compared to 10 years ago.
Speaking about the figures, Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: “The UK generally has some of the safest roads in the world, but this latest data set revealed a hard truth which was difficult to read.
“There should be no reason why we see deaths on our roads for all other ages decreasing when compared to a decade ago but increasing for over 70s.”
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From the age of 70 drivers are required to renew their licence every three years instead of 10, prompting motorists to evaluate their abilities on the road. Yet he called for a more proactive approach to be implemented to reduce casualties.
He said: “We believe that drivers should be encouraged to undertake further regular driver appraisals once you reach a certain age to ensure everyone can remain safe on the roads.
“Undergoing periodic appraisals, or alternative safer driving courses, is a way of helping motorists maintain their independence while also reducing the risks associated with age-related changes.”
Professor Charles Musselwhite published a paper that suggests older drivers are not more dangerous but are over-represented in collision data due to frailty. He said that it was “probably a good idea” to introduce a driving test for older motorists or “some kind of cognitive test or a medical test” to assess their abilities.
A DfT spokesperson said: “All drivers are already required to ensure they are medically fit to drive, and all car drivers over 70 must renew their licence every three years. We have no plans to change the requirements for older drivers.”
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