Elderly drivers safer than youngsters

No doubting Bernie's driving skills, ok?

No doubting Bernie's driving skills, ok?

Published Nov 30, 2012

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London - The number of older drivers in the UK will soar to record levels as the post-war ‘baby-boom’ generation reaches retirement, according to a recent report.

By 2032 the number aged over 70 will have risen to 5.8-million, and the total will include almost two million over 80, it says.

The increase continues a trend. In 1992, there were only 2.2-million drivers over 70, but today there are 3.9-million.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS

However, the report’s authors insist that – contrary to popular belief – advancing years do not make even doddery drivers any more dangerous, and that the experience of age is a powerful counterbalance to the dangerous exuberance of youth.

Older drivers compensate for their advancing years, deteriorating eyesight and slower reactions by driving more carefully and with more experience than youngsters, says the report by the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

But the Government must prepare for the changes by including a ‘national strategy for older drivers’ as part of its road safety policy.

The report, called Holding back the gears – the ageing process and driver safety, was presented to road safety minister Stephen Hammond yesterday.

The study was carried out for the IAM by experts at the Transport Research Laboratory, who put 32 drivers of varying ages from 17 to 75-plus through a driving simulation test to check reactions.

QUICK REACTIONS

It found that drivers over 75 react just as quickly as other age groups when a vehicle emerges from a side road or if the car in front brakes suddenly on a rural road.

Where older drivers have slower reaction times they use their experience on the road to compensate. They drive slower and they keep a bigger following distance than drivers from other age groups.

But older drivers appear to stop short of the stop line at junctions and not look as often as others before pulling out. They also fail to look in their rear view mirror as much as other age groups on the motorway.

And they are likely to have less flexibility in neck movement and poorer vision standards. But this did not translate into differences in driving performance. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “There is no doubt that older drivers get a bad press. They are an easy target for other motorists” frustrations.

“At times the demands for them to be stripped of their licences or face compulsory re-tests is deafening. But older drivers are as safe as drivers from all other age groups.”

SAFER THAN YOUNGSTERS

The IAM says reports from the police show that last year the over 70s accounted for 9 percent of drivers but 6 per cent of casualties. By contrast, people under 30 accounted for 20 per cent of drivers but 35 percent of casualties.

But those over 70 are more likely to be in an accident caused by ‘failing to look properly’ – 30 percent among older drivers compared with 19 percent among those aged 25 to 69.

Commenting on the number of licence holders over 70, the report says: “A dramatic increase is imminent as the ‘baby-boomer’ generation reach retirement age and beyond. Levels of vehicle ownership have risen dramatically over the last 50 years. In 1975/76 only 15 percent of people over 70 had a licence. Now almost 60 percent do.”

The IAM arrived at its figures by analysing official statistics and projections from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the Office for National Statistics.

There is currently no upper age limit for holding a driving licence, but all drivers over 70 have to renew their licence every three years and have to tell the DVLA about any conditions – medical or otherwise – which might affect their driving.

The DVLA said: “If we find evidence a driver does not meet the appropriate medical standard we suspend their licence.” -Daily Mail

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