The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has found, following a recent online poll, that 73 per cent of people would report elderly friends or relatives if they had any concerns at all about their driving standards. The poll was conducted from 1,628 IAM members and also found that 68% believe mandatory re-testing of drivers over the age of 70 should also be introduced, to improve road safety.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said,”The IAM believes we need to reassure the public that older drivers do not represent a disproportionate risk. Eight per cent of drivers are over 70 and they are involved in around four per cent of injury crashes. But 15 per cent of drivers are in their teens and 20s and they are involved in 34 per cent of injury crashes- a far higher number.

The IAM 2010 report on Older Drivers: Safe or Unsafe? can be found at their website.

Brake, the road safety charity, is is calling for controls to be introduced for older drivers over the age of 70 following a recent case where a child was killed. An 89 year old driver mounted the pavement after becoming ill at the wheel and unfortunately killed an 18-month boy.

Brake deputy chief executive Cathy Keeler explains their concerns,”Current law requires drivers over the age of 70 to renew their licence and fill in a self assessment form declaring they are safe to drive every three years. Brake believes this isn’t good enough and there should be an annual “fit to drive” health check carried out by a professional. These checks should also be required every five years for drivers under the age of 70, as health can deteriorate at any age”

Brake also has a fact sheet on older drivers that explains more.