Elderly drivers: Confused.com put OAP's to the test
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Experts at IAM RoadSmart are pushing for some elderly road users to be issued a “flexible” driving licence. These will restrict drivers to using only local roads and prevent them from driving at night.
A study from the group found nearly half of elderly motorists back the idea.
A total of 46 percent of more than 3,000 motorists aged over 60 said they backed the idea for a flexible licence scheme.
Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart said a flexible scheme would allow older drivers to “maintain their mobility”.
However, he said the new scheme would help “reduce the cost to society”.
He said: “Flexible licences are already used in some countries, including the USA and Australia.
“In these places, following an official assessment, older drivers can continue behind the wheel, but in a restricted area, type of road, or time of day.
“IAM RoadSmart supports a flexible driving licence pilot project in the UK to test whether this approach would allow some older drivers to maintain their mobility and still reach local services.
“This would maintain their quality of life as well as reduce the cost to society of bringing services to them.”
DON’T MISS
Elderly drivers with ‘reduced mobility’ issued new warning [COMMENT]
Thousands back car tax exemptions for elderly drivers [INSIGHT]
Some elderly road users ‘will have to stop driving’, warn experts [ANALYSIS]
The research from IAM RoadSmart shows many older drivers were still willing to be tested.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65 percent) said they would use a DIY kit to test their driving abilities if one was available.
Mr Greig said their research “bodes well for the policy changes” they are pushing for.
“They have called for an “immediate review of driver licensing” as part of new plans to “make Britain’s roads even safer”.
Save 10% on your MOT
It’s Kwik Fits’ Midsommer Madness sale and you can take 10% off your MOT Test with the UK’s #1 MOT tester – just click the link to book online.
Source: Read Full Article