Older motorists “sometimes start to have problems” when they hit a certain age range, according to leading specialists. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) stressed motorists will find it harder to deal with “high-speed traffic situations” when they reach their mid-70s.
The professionals also warned older drivers could be more seriously hurt in collisions when they are older in another major concern. Despite the message, the experts warned there was “no set age” when road users should hand over their driving licence and retire from the roads. The warning comes as experts at the road safety group issued a series of advice for mature drivers later in life.
RoSPA said: “There’s no set age to retire from driving. We all age differently and as long as we’re fit and safe, there’s nothing to stop us continuing to drive into old age.
“At the age of 70, you’re no more at risk of being involved in a collision than any other group. In fact, younger drivers are at a higher risk on our roads.
However, research has shown that in their mid-70s, drivers sometimes start to have problems assessing complex or high-speed traffic situations.
“Fragility increases with age, so if older people are involved in a collision, their injuries tend to be more serious, and recovery takes much longer.”
Despite this, the AA is also keen to stress there are no barriers for fit and healthy elderly road users to continue travelling in their cars.
They previously commented: “While there are more variables (including health conditions) that older drivers need to be aware of as they continue to drive, it’s perfectly safe for them to do so.
“As long as elderly drivers have no health concerns and have a valid, renewed driving licence, there’s no reason they can’t continue driving a vehicle.”
