Leading road safety experts have recommended raising the mandatory fitness to drive self-declaration for licence renewal from 70 to 75 years old – if proof of an eye sight test is made compulsory.

The recommendations are made by the Older Drivers Task Force inSupporting Safe Driving into Old Age,a report setting out a national older driver strategy. The Task Force, which was welcomed by Government, was managed by the Road Safety Foundation and supported by Ageas, the third largest motor insurer in the UK and a leading insurer of older drivers.

More than 25 experts and organisations in transport, health, policing, licensing, car manufacturing and insurance collaborated to produce the report, led by Chairman John Plowman. Analysing the latest international evidence, available technology and road safety schemes, the Task Force makes seven key recommendations for government and other stakeholders.

The emphasis is for government and industry to work together to ensure older drivers can stay on the road and enjoy independent lives for as long as it is safe to do so.

Recommendations include:

• Raising the automatic requirement for drivers to notify the DVLA at age 70 of any medical condition affecting driving to 75 – if the requirement for an eye sight test is made compulsory
• Requiring the DVLA to get evidence of an eyesight test at licence renewal
• Asking a consumer body to prepare specific advice on modern car safety features that are of special significance for older drivers – and consider “silver” NCAP-style assessment
• Improving road design, signs and markings to meet the highest international standards specifically to aid older drivers but bringing benefits for all drivers
• Evaluating existing driving appraisal courses and improving information provided to older drivers, their families, and medical professionals
• Piloting new products which offer an alternative to driving for older people.
• Pooling insurer data and research into major claims involving older drivers to understand the detailed causes.

The Older Drivers Task Force looked at the academic evidence base, the latest in vehicle, road and information technology, and reviewed best practice examples of support and self-help schemes. It is ready to work with the Government in the future on how best to implement these proposals.

• Download full press release here
• Download the report here.
• Download the complete set of research papers here

Media contacts
For comment and interviews, Task Force Chairman, John Plowman:
0798 970 7107 –  johnplowman@john-plowman.com

Road Safety Foundation
Richard Rhydderch on 01256 345598 or 07776 147262 richard.rhydderch@roadsafetyfoundation.org

Ageas UK
Press Office:  023 8035 2754 or  07748 841874 press.uk@ageas.co.uk

Hadstrong
Becky Hadley 020 7808 7997 – becky.hadley@hadstrong.com