Elderly motorists face strong calls to have 'mature driving assessments' and eyesight checks

Motorists over the age of 70 are less likely to be involved in collisions involving speed, although they are 38 per cent more likely to be involved in collisions where they do not look properly.

Data from the Older Drivers Forum suggests that the number of elderly motorists will triple in the next 20 years, with an estimated six million full licence holders currently over the age of 70.

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While there is no legal limit on someone's age to be behind the wheel, once a driver turns 70, they must renew their licence every three years, rather than every 10 years.

Sgt Owen Messenger, from Devon and Cornwall Police's road casualty reduction team, told the BBC that there have been instances where crashes occurred and the police believe the driver should not have been allowed on the road.

He added: "They want to keep their driving licence for as long as possible because public transport isn't at times as good as it could be.

"We want to keep them safe and driving longer but making sure they are safe on the roads. For us, it's about making sure that they are still fit to drive."

Sgt Messenger added that drivers may be hesitant to tell someone if they believe their eyesight is getting worse as they don't want to lose their freedom and have to give up their licence.

He called on motorists to visit their opticians and get a check-up regularly, as well as checking with their doctor to see if they are able to drive while on medication.

Rob Heard, a former police traffic officer and founder of the Older Drivers Forum, said older drivers account for 11 per cent of all miles driven, but 23 per cent of all fatalities on the road.

He stated: "We are always saying to people: 'If you MOT your car every year. How about you MOT yourself?'

"So when you come to that licence renewal, maybe consider something like a mature driver assessment or a regular eyesight test."

Some road safety organisations already organise mature driver assessments for motorists, including IAM RoadSmart. The £85 test allows drivers over the age of 65 to get advice on their skills behind the wheel.

The test is overseen by an instructor who will give the motorist tips on which areas of their driving they could improve and boost their confidence.

Recently, the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership announced that it would allow motorists to take the test of free in collaboration with IAM RoadSmart.

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There have recently been calls for elderly drivers to face additional testing as they get older following a crash involving a 91-year-old woman with dementia, which tragically resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy.

The pensioner, Edith Duncan, was found to have attempted a U-turn on a busy road but "lost control" and mounted the pavement, striking Xander Irvine and his mother, Victoria.

A fatal accident inquiry from Sheriff Principal Nigel Ross suggested that the present system of self-certification of fitness to drive after the age of 70 be changed "as a matter of priority".

A DVLA spokesperson said it was carefully considering the Sherrif's recommendations, adding: "All drivers must ensure that they meet the medical standards for driving and notify us of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting their ability to drive."