Green Flag

Most back retest for older drivers

15 March 2010

Nearly seven out of 10 motorists believe drivers over 70 should undergo a mandatory retest, while three-quarters would report elderly people whose driving they were worried about to authorities, a survey has found.

The poll by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) found that 68% of road users are in favour of older drivers being made to take their driving test.

And 73% were ready to report elderly friends or relatives to the authorities if they were concerned about their driving standards.

However, 77% of over 1,600 respondents agreed that younger drivers posed a greater risk to other road users than older people.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "It is good news that most drivers are aware that young drivers are the demographic most in need of help, but worrying that the mandatory retest has a fairly high level of support."

Mr Greig pointed out that drivers over 70 constitute 8% of all motorists and account for 4% of injury crashes. In contrast, 34% of all injury crashes involve those in their teens and 20s who make up 15% of the drivers.

He added: "The IAM believes we need to reassure the public that older drivers do not represent a disproportionate risk.

"Retesting at 70 would be a mammoth administrative task with little road safety benefit and the Government and safety bodies must work together to communicate the facts about older drivers more widely."

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