Call for action on older drivers as numbers rise

The number of older drivers has inc-reased considerably, and action is needed to ensure their safety on the roads, it was warned today.

The number of people killed or seriously inj-ured on the roads is falling more slowly among older drivers than their younger counterparts. Only 15 per cent of over-70s held a driving licence in 1975, whereas the figure for 2010 was nearly 60 per cent.

Last month, the number of drivers aged 80 or over topped the million mark for the first time. Just over 660,000 men and 350,000 women who have reached their ninth decade are still getting behind the wheel.

Also, 80 per cent of current 60-69-year-olds hold licences and will continue to drive for around the next 20 years. More than 80 per cent of 30-39 year olds are licence holders and will drive until at least 2050.

The report from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety said: "The report therefore concludes that older road users are here to stay and that a national strategy for an ageing population is vital."

The report also pointed out that pedestrian deaths and serious injuries among all ages had fallen 41 per cent between 2000 and 2010, but the fall for 60 to 69-year-old pedestrians was 37 per cent, for 70-79 year olds it was 40 per cent and for those 80 or over it was 33 per cent.

The car-occupant death and serious injury reduction for all ages between 2000 and 2010 was 54 per cent. But the fall for 60-69-year-old car occupants was only 44 per cent, with the decline for 70-79 year olds being 43 per cent and for those aged 80 or over it was only 16 per cent.

The report also drew the distinction between road users who were at risk and who posed a risk to others. Older road users tended to be in the former group, it said.