Over-70s drivers considerably safer than younger motorists

DRIVERS aged over 70 are no more likely to cause crashes than any other driver and are considerably safer than younger motorists, according to a report published by a motoring charity.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) report revealed that between 2000 and 2006, 8 per cent of drivers were over 70 and they were involved in about 4 per cent of crashes that cause injury, while the 15 per cent of drivers in their teens and twenties were involved in 34 per cent of injury crashes.

On average, men in their seventies were found to make at least 100 more trips as car drivers per year than men in their late teens and twenties, according to the report Older Drivers – Safe or Unsafe. In the next 20 years, the number of male drivers over 70 will double, while the number of female drivers will treble, the report predicted.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, yesterday said: "The report contradicts the common assumption that older drivers are a danger on the roads.

"The IAM recommends that, rather than seeking to prevent older people from driving, we need to make them aware of the risks they face, and offer them driving assessments to help them cope with these risks."