Older drivers 'need regular medical checks'

Date: 15/3/2012

An organisation has urged older drivers to undergo regular medical checks to ensure they stay safe on the roads.

Kevin Clinton, Head of Road Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, explained elderly motorists should not be subject to any restrictions as many are more than capable of driving a car.

However, as they age their driving ability will change and in order to make decisions about what they can and cannot do, they need medical checks to establish their fitness levels.

For example, some may decide that although they can drive during the day, they do not want to use motorways at night.

"Families concerned about the driving standards of elderly relatives often struggle to find appropriate advice and this need must be addressed," Mr Clinton stated.

These comments echo those made by GEM Motoring Assist, which also called for the introduction of more medical checks for older road users, such as mandatory eye examinations every ten years.

"Drivers and health professionals should discuss fitness to drive during consultations," Mr Clinton concluded.

Posted by Sarah Bailey