AA wants more support for older drivers | Motoring Issues - Car News Mar 2015

MOTORING ISSUES
main article image

15:11 Thursday 02 Apr 2015

With the number of older drivers on UK roads on the rise, the AA has called for improved training and technology to help them stay safe.

The proportion of over-70’s in the UK holding a current driving licence grew from 44% to 62% in the decade to 2013 according to Government figures, with the number of drivers aged over 80 estimated to reach 2.9million by 2030, more than double the current amount.

AA Charitable Trust director Edmund King, a Visiting Professor of Transport at Newcastle University, said: "The importance of keeping older drivers safe and mobile is vital for all road users, and society in general.”

"Many people will continue to contribute to the economy by working past retirement in years to come and having a car can be essential for getting to and from work.”

Research conducted by the AA found one in six drivers aged over 65 still relied on their car for commuting, with a quarter replying that they would be worried how they would be able to manage without it.  An overwhelming majority of older drivers rely on their car for grocery shopping (89%), visiting friends and relatives (86%), social events and hobbies (76%), day trips (73%), medical appointments (72%), and holidays (69%).

However, despite their reliance on the car, the AA study found older drivers were the most sceptical when it comes to embracing new technology.  Just 9% said they use a SatNav, compared to 43% of drivers in the 18-24 age bracket.  The over 65’s were also the least supportive of the development of autonomous vehicles, with 61% replying that they would not trust either the Government or the manufacturer of such driverless vehicles that they were safe, and only 29% backing legislation allowing for trials of driverless cars in the UK.

This scepticism comes despite older drivers admitting, more than any other age group questioned, that driverless cars would offer them increased mobility.

"Technology could play a vital role in helping keep drivers on the road safely for longer but the older drivers get, the more sceptical they tend to be about it,” continued Professor King.

"It's important that the older generation is taken into account when it comes to developing technology and previous work at Newcastle University has identified the benefits of tailored technology such as 'granny navs' - sat navs more suitable for the older generation.  Training is also necessary and one of the main benefits it can bring is increased confidence in an older person that they are safe to continue driving. The AA Trust's free Drive Confident courses show the benefits of retraining and more training will be required to keep up with new in-car technology.”

"Generally, older drivers are very responsible about their safety on the roads and many may be stopping driving prematurely because they are worried they pose a risk.  But just a few hours with a professional can top up skills and provide the confidence they need to carry on driving with peace of mind."


Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter



Popular news stories

 
Hubcap animal sculptures
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS unveiled
Audi R8 prices revealed   The new Lotus Evora 400

Hubcap animal sculptures

 

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS unveiled

 

Audi R8 prices revealed

 

The new Lotus Evora 400


Comments
INDUSTRY
Plug-in car grant cut by 40%
INDUSTRY
Government should overturn cut to plug-in car grant
ADVICE
Drivers urged to ask these questions
INDUSTRY
The Government has ended the plug-in-car grant, which gave car buyers money off a new EV.
INDUSTRY
Drivers continue to face soaring pump prices despite a drop in wholesale prices.
INDUSTRY
Campaign launched to tackle disabled parking abuse