RAC report questions driver testing at 70

A recent investigation by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) found that older citizens are among the “safest people” on UK roads. This finding was published in the light of calls to implement retesting drivers at the age of 70.

According to the report, the benefits of such testing will do little towards improving road safety in general. On the other hand, there will be several less desirable effects, including limited mobility for older people, as well as violating equality legislation.

The RAC noted that ageing drivers are at least as safe as their younger counterparts. In fact, elderly drivers have a better road safety record than those from younger age groups.

The greatest potential danger is that elderly people involved in accidents are likely to sustain more serious injuries because of their frailty.

Professor Stephen Claister, the Director of the RAC Foundation, believes that elderly drivers will benefit from refresher training, but that this should not be compulsory. Instead, it should be regarded as an offer to help older people remain both safe and mobile for as long as possible.

Professor Claister said: “It is in everybody's interest to keep older people mobile for as long as they are safe to do so.”

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