Safety of older drivers 'must be more of a priority'

Date: 14/3/2012

One organisation has called for the introduction of a national strategy to ensure elderly drivers stay safe on the UK's roads.

GEM Motoring Assist noted that according to a report from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, the number of licence-holders over the age of 70 increased from 15 per cent in 1975 to 60 per cent in 2010.

The group believes doctors and others in the medical profession must provide clear advice to individuals on whether they are physically and mentally fit to drive. This could include the introduction of mandatory eye tests when people renew their licence every ten years.

Chief Executive Officer of GEM David Williams MBE said the idea is not "condemning" older drivers.

"It is about helping older people make better, safer and well-informed choices," he stated, adding elderly motorists should be able to keep their licence if they are fit to use the roads.

Last month, data obtained by the Institute of Advanced Motorists using a freedom of information request to the DVLA revealed 122 people driving in the UK are over the age of 100.

Posted by Sarah Bailey