The increase in the number of older drivers in the UK is causing a legitimate outcry over road safety. Recent high profile fatal accidents have only increased these concerns. As the UK population ages, the number of licence holders aged 70 and over has surged by approximately 200,000 each year. This demographic shift has led to debate on whether current driving regulations are up to the task.
In 2024, 176 older drivers were killed or seriously injured on the streets of Cornwall & Devon. This shocking figure underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive road safety strategies. Unfortunately, these numbers point to the increased danger that comes with a rapidly aging driving environment. There is no upper age threshold for driving in the UK. We know this to be true, as currently, there are about 500 active licence holders over the age of 100—some up to 108 years old.
For Alvin Trevenna, an 88-year-old driver who now avoids driving at night but still feels confident behind the wheel, driving represents his key to independence. He states, “I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere, do anything… I’d just as well sit in the armchair and wait to die.” Trevenna’s experience sheds light on the frustration expressed by so many seniors on the verge of losing their independence—their ability to drive.
The tragic death in 2023 of 90-year-old Jennifer Nias has laid bare some of the most urgent questions. She accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake, raising questions about how well, if at all, we test older drivers’ roadworthiness. Claire Eady, Nias’s daughter, is convinced that her mother’s fatal crash could have been avoided if the right regulatory protections had been put in place.
“I never thought I would have to say the words ‘my mum’s been killed in a car crash’” – Claire Eady
The regulations are vague though, only requiring drivers to renew their licence at the age of 70, and then every three years after that. In 2024, more than 10,000 drivers aged 70 and older in England chose to take an older driver assessment. This number still accounts for just 0.2% of all drivers that age. This raises troubling questions about whether even minimal, cursory checks are being done.
Hilary Nias, Jennifer Nias’s sister-in-law, hopes to see change come to the current system. She shared her family’s tragedy and loss, but is adamant that tougher standards would avoid future tragedies like her family’s.
“That needed testing and assessing… it could possibly have avoided my sister-in-law’s ghastly accident – and many others” – Hilary Nias
Rob Heard from the Older Drivers Forum emphasizes that most older drivers possess valuable experience and confidence on the road. He notes that “as we age, our relative frailty means that older drivers are often over-represented in serious injury collisions, particularly for the age group of 80 and above.”
The Older Drivers Forum promotes the needs of older motorists so they can drive safely for as long as possible. There is increasing consensus that our existing policies are not doing enough. Or they’re just not able to address the specific issues that are even more applicable to this demographic. As Dr. Carol Hawley explains, “the system is in need of change,” reflecting the strong desire for change from various stakeholders including the public, legislators, and law enforcement.
Alison Hernandez, the South West Police and Crime Commissioner, is just getting started. I’m pleased that this new campaign she will kick off will begin to educate elder drivers on how they can keep their driving skills sharp. She states, “We want to protect people’s lives because it is absolutely devastating when this happens to people and their families.”
You need to pass driving tests. You are legally required to self-report any medical conditions that could impair your driving skill. The DVLA only gets notified by 3% of doctors or 4% of third parties when an elderly driver develops a medical condition.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne advocates for legal protections that would allow medical professionals to disclose relevant information without breaching doctor-patient confidentiality. Despite these changes, Clarke stresses the need to protect patient confidentiality and trust while making America’s roads safer.
“to ensure that any necessary breaches of doctor-patient confidentiality are protected in law and avoid undermining patient trust” – Professor Kamila Hawthorne
The Association of Optometrists is a keen supporter of a program that seeks to make older drivers safer. They continue to work particularly closely with The College of Optometrists to improve assessments and develop education for this.
Older driver safety is becoming an increasingly hot topic. So it’s high time that we make some serious changes to the rules that regulate senior drivers. The deleterious effects of inaction The sad stories of Nias and Gibson are shocking examples of the dangers of inaction.
