Car accident news
19/01/2010

Older driver's no car crash hazard

Older drivers are no more likely to cause a car accident than other motorists, according to the Institute of Advanced motorists.

The report affirms the experiences of no-win, no-fee solicitors who, typically, handle no more compensation claims for car accidents caused by older drivers than they do for any other age group.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said, "The report contradicts the common assumption that older drivers are a danger on the roads. Just eight per cent of drivers are over 70 and they are involved in around four per cent of injury crashes; but of the 15 per cent of drivers who are in their teens and 20s, 34 per cent are involved in injury crashes."

News of the report was welcomed by Greg Lewis of Age Concern/Help the Aged who said, "We believe that where drivers wish to continue behind the wheel beyond the age of 70, only convincing reasons should prevent them from doing so."

And, with the UK population ageing every day, it is important that society quashes unfounded stereotypes about older drivers causing car accidents, or else it might be that it is those very drivers who perpetuate the myth who will be the ones who are restricted from driving when they are older.