IAM Reports Of Elderly Drivers

A report from the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) have released a report for the elderly driver and found that 73% of an online poll of more than 1500 people would report their elderly relatives or friends for bad driving.


The report shows that out of a poll of 1628 members and members of the public voted that there should be mandatory re-tests for drivers above the age of 70, this would benefit road safety.


During 2000 - 2006 the report shows almost 30,000 drivers over the age of 60 were involved in an accident which one or more people were killed or seriously injured. The report shows that most drivers of cars over 70 are more at risk on the road as casualties from car accidents. It also shows that most accidents happen on A-roads.


On the contrary young drivers of new cars prove they have more accidents than the elderly drivers that are comfortable in their used car that they have had for a few years - this may prove that the elderly have experience.


The report does conclude that elderly drivers are safer drivers than young drivers where 8% of over 70s are in involved in accidents compared to teens who have a staggering 34% of crashes. However the elderly are more likely to be involved in a certain type of crash, for example crashing on a bend, or coming out of a junction or even pulling onto a roundabout.


Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, 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 – one in four polled agreed strongly that a mandatory retest at 70 would benefit road safety.” he added:


“The IAM believes we need to reassure the public that older drivers do not represent a disproportionate risk. Eight per cent of drivers are over 70 and they are involved in around four per cent of injury crashes. But 15 per cent of drivers are in their teens and 20s and they are involved in 34 per cent of injury crashes – a far higher number.”

11-Mar-2010
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