Older motorists 'should have regular health checks'

Date: 1/2/2011

Due to "age-related decline", older drivers have been advised by one sector commentator to go for regular health checks in order to help them stay safe.

Clare Simpson, Communications Executive for RoadSafe, said such motorists may be more likely to make a driver error than younger road users, but that owning a car can be an important lifeline for older people as it helps them keep hold of their independence.

"To maintain this freedom, RoadSafe advises drivers of all ages to go for regular health checks as recommended by the relevant professionals," Ms Simpson urged.

She added that investing in a modern car may also be worthwhile as many models have raised seats to provide easy access and systems that improve blind spot awareness.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Rochester revealed that older drivers may have a heightened awareness of the backdrop cars, pedestrians, or cyclists are moving against, making seeing the moving objects more difficult.

Posted by Sarah Bailey