Statistics show that people over the age of 70 are much safer on the road than those under the age of 30
Statistics show that people over the age of 70 are much safer on the road than those under the age of 30
According to a recent survey by Auto Trader, three out of five motorists believe that older drivers should be made to resit their driving test when they reach the age of 66.
3,763 people were questioned and 73% of them said they were worried about the driving behaviour of older motorists.
Six out of ten of the motorists questioned also believed that the older generation needed to prove their ability to drive through regular sight and coordination checks. Those surveyed were most concerned about older people having a lower level of awareness and a slower reaction time.
Currently, drivers over the age of 70 need to self-certify that they are still capable of driving. After this they need to do it every three years – but 21% of motorists felt that this wasn’t enough to regulate their driving.
The number of older drivers is soaring, so this is becoming a hugely relevant subject. Today, 72% of people over 70 hold a driving licence – a huge number, which reflects the fact that the baby-boom generation is reaching retirement age. However, many people are concerned that the government isn’t doing enough to regulate driving safety amongst this growing group of older drivers.
Statistics actually show that people over the age of 70 are much safer on the road than those under the age of 30. People over the age of 70 make up 9% of drivers but only 6% of driver casualties – drivers under 30 represent 20% of drivers but 35% of driver casualties.
Nathan Coe, Group Director at Auto Trader, said: "Any correlation between growing old and driving safely is not straightforward, making it difficult for Government to enforce a one rule fits all policy. Driving is a combination of experience, attitude, physical health and brain function."
It’s not yet been confirmed whether the government will be doing anything to change the assessment of older drivers. However, anyone worried about this can rest assured that, statistically, under-30s are a far greater risk.
