There is a lot in the press at the moment about Older Drivers and Mature Driver Assessments.

We know that older motorists have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance. However, sight, hearing, reaction time and judgement of speed and distance may not be as sharp as it once was. Fragility increases with age, so injuries tend to be more serious and recovery takes much longer. Casualty rates do increase for car drivers aged over about 65, and the fatality rate increases significantly. Our biggest issue as we age is often complacency, especially with our driving. We are therefore encouraging all to make sure you are still safe to drive. We MOT and Service our vehicles as they age, how about checking ourselves?

Statistics released by the Department for Transport  https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-older-and-younger-driver-factsheets-2022/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-older-driver-factsheet-2022 do show fatalities involving young drivers is steadily decreasing, unfortunately older drivers are increasing, probably due to the older driver licence numbers increasing on average around ¼ million every year. We have an ageing population so expect huge increases in licences held by older drivers, so older driver deaths will increase, but there is plenty we can do to reduce this risk, which is why we are raising awareness of this and trying to make sure we are all fit and healthy to drive.

The article below by the BBC shows what we are doing to help and support mature motorists to carry on driving safely for longer and encourage us all to consider a mature driver assessment.

Click here to read article from the BBC