Older drivers - Should more be done?

The Department for Transport (DfT) is suggesting that by 2015, over 70s will make up more than 4.5 million UK drivers. Some road safety organisations believe that this is a safe group, with an excellent

safety record but according to the DfT, this is not necessarily the case.

DfT statistics show that drivers who are over the age of 80 are involved in more accidents per mile than any other age group. Currently, there are 700,000 people over 80 who hold a driving licence and according to the statistics, 84 have had their licences taken away on the advice of their doctors, while 1,869 made a "self declaration" to the DVLA. This signifies their lack of ability to keep on driving.

Certain precautions have already been taken for the older driver. The Institute of Advanced Motorists are hoping to let older drivers take the 90-minute Drive Check scheme. This will cost around £35 and will target certain areas for older drivers, including junctions, slip roads and roundabouts.

A mandatory retest is not really an option according to Kevin Clinton, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). "Fitness to drive varies from person to person and there is no age at which it would be fair to say everyone should be retested," he said.

Devon County Council is doing its bit, offering voluntary assessments whereby they can be assessed to see if they are safe. So far, the council has not had to call on the help of the police.

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