Older Drivers and Road Safety

The number of older drivers on the roads is increasing, with around 200,000 more license holders over 70 every year. However, this has raised concerns about road safety, as older drivers are more likely to be involved in serious collisions.

Current Rules for Older Drivers

In Great Britain, there is no upper age limit for driving, and around 500 people hold licenses between the ages of 100 and 108. Drivers must renew their licenses at 70 and then every three years. They are also legally responsible for informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical conditions that could affect their driving.

The Need for Change

Many people believe that the current system is inadequate and that changes are needed to improve road safety. Claire Eady, whose mother was killed in a car accident, believes that older drivers should be required to take mandatory tests and that doctors should be legally obliged to notify the authorities about patients with certain medical conditions.

Statistics on Older Drivers

According to the Department of Transport, older drivers make up about 14% of all licensed holders but account for a quarter of the people killed on the roads. People over 75 and under 25 have the highest risk of being killed or seriously injured in an accident.

The Importance of Medical Reviews

Some experts believe that mandatory medical reviews for older drivers could help improve road safety. A report found that less than 10% of DVLA notifications were made by medical specialists and other third parties. The author of the report, Dr. Carol Hawley, said that the system needs to change to ensure that older drivers are fit to drive.

The Role of Doctors

Doctors are not currently legally required to notify the DVLA about patients with certain medical conditions. However, some experts believe that this should change to ensure that older drivers are safe on the roads. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said that the college would welcome a more formalized approach to ensure that doctors can report medical conditions without undermining patient trust.

The Need for Public Awareness

Public awareness about the risks associated with older drivers is also important. Alison Hernandez, the police and crime commissioner for the southwest, said that her office is planning to carry out a campaign to clarify the risks associated with older drivers and how they can best stay safe on the roads.

Supporting Older Drivers

While some people believe that older drivers should be required to take mandatory tests, others argue that this could be unfair and that alternative solutions should be found. Reg Harris, an 85-year-old widower, said that giving up driving would "absolutely crucify" his lifestyle. Alvin Trevena, 88, added that driving is a lifeline for many older people and that alternative transport options are often not available in rural areas.

Government Response

The government has informed the BBC that the DVLA is analyzing the results from the latest investigations and from a process of 2023 evidence of the legislative framework for licensing drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA will continue to work with health professionals and their regulatory bodies to understand whether there can be circumstances in which they could be encouraged or supported to inform the DVLA about a patient’s illness. A Department of Transport spokesman added that the NHS recommends that adults should have their eyes tested every two years and that drivers are legally obliged to inform the DVLA if they have a medical condition that affects their ability to drive. The government is committed to improving road safety and will continue to examine ways to achieve this.