Keeping Older Drivers Safe and Mobile

The majority of older drivers want to continue driving as long as they are safely able, for reasons relating to independance and convenience.

The report is based on a survey of more than 2,600 drivers and ex-drivers between the ages of 55 and 101 years. It is authored by Dr Carol Hawley from the University of Warwick Medical School.

82% of those interviewed said that driving was ‘very or extremely important’ to them, with females significantly more likely than men to rate driving as ‘extremely important’.

Although 84% of respondents rated their driving ability as good to excellent, and 86% rated their confidence as a driver as good to excellent, the majority of those surveyed said they would consider giving up driving if they had a health condition, or if a health professional advised them to do so.

Despite their determination to keep driving, the majority were in favour of measures to increase their safety on the roads – including retesting and checking of various aspects of drivers’ health and competence.

Almost 60% said drivers should retake the driving test every five years after the age of 70 years. 85% said drivers should pass an eyesight test every five years once they have reached 70 years, and more than half said that drivers aged around 70 years should be required to have a medical examination.