1 in 4 Brits know older person they think should quit driving
A quarter of Brits know an older driver who they believe should no longer be behind the wheel, new research has found.
Driving as you get older can be an increasingly daunting task, and it can be difficult to judge when it is the right time for elderly loved ones to stop driving.
While there is no legal age cap on driving in the UK, motorists over 70 are required to renew their licences every three years by filling out a self-assessment questionnaire.
The car insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk are reminding older motorists of the importance of ensuring their eyesight meets the minimum legal requirements when they are renewing their licence. Failing to do so could lead to them being hit with a hefty £1,000 fine.*
It has been revealed that the number of crashes linked to poor vision have reached a six-year high**, which could further intensify calls from campaigners for drivers over 70 to undergo mandatory eyesight tests in a bid to improve road safety.
Several European countries, such as the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal require drivers aged 70 and above to undergo regular medical exams for licence renewal.*** In France, a new bill is calling for compulsory medical check-ups every five years for drivers over the age of 70.****
In a recent survey from Tiger.co.uk, 25% of respondents admitted they know an older driver who they think should stop driving soon.
Meanwhile, 27% felt annual driving tests and medical checks for drivers after they turn 70 would help protect older drivers and other road users.
When asked who should be monitoring when a driver should stop driving, the top response (30%) was a GP, followed by the driver themselves (24%) and the family of the driver (23%) – showing the importance of family members in addressing this serious and highly emotive issue.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director of Tiger.co.uk said: “Older drivers are typically considered one of the safest age groups, which is why the over 65 category enjoys the cheapest premiums. However, as drivers approach mid to late 70s, they often see their premiums start to increase, as accidents at that age can be more frequent and injuries could be more severe.
“We all want to stay independent for as long as possible, and driving is an important part of that independence for many older people.
“However, if you are worried that your driving is not as good as it once was – maybe your reaction times are noticeably slower or your is eyesight getting worse – you may want to consider talking to your GP about your fitness to drive.
“Our survey results show almost a third of respondents think more checks should be in place to monitor drivers once they reach 70 years old. Ultimately, we each bear individual responsibility for assessing our own capabilities behind the wheel – this includes a legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any health conditions that may impede your ability to drive.
“Your safety and the safety of other road users is of paramount importance, so when you are renewing your licence as an older driver, make sure that your answers on the self-assessment questionnaire are honest and accurate, otherwise you could find yourself in trouble with the law.
“Declaring a medical condition doesn’t always mean you will lose your licence – you may need to make some adaptations to your car by fitting special controls.
“It is crucial to remember that any condition you need to declare to the DVLA must also be declared to your insurer. While your premium could increase as a result, failing to declare a condition could invalidate your policy.”
Tiger.co.uk can help older drivers hunt for savings on their premiums, helping them compare bespoke car insurance options, such as older driver insurance.
This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.
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