ELDERLY MOTORISTS SHOULD BE BANNED FROM DRIVING AT AGE 70, EXPERT SAYS
ITV's Good Morning Britain hosted a debate on whether elderly motorists should be banned from driving once they reach 70. When road users reach an advanced age, rules change, meaning they have to renew their driving licence every three years, as opposed to every 10 years.
The presenters highlighted how many adults may be concerned about their parents driving and may not feel comfortable asking them to go to their GP and ask for a check-up.
Dr Hilary Jones said that all drivers, regardless of age, want to retain their licence for fear of losing their independence.
As a result, voluntary admission to the DVLA that something has changed in their medical history is rare for drivers to do.
He suggested that this could be something where laws are tightened and changes are made to make them stronger.
READ MORE: 'Hefty' parking costs may see drivers pay £135 for just eight hours
Conditions including dementia and Alzheimer's require drivers to notify the DVLA of their health, which could result in having their licence taken away.
Dr Jones maintained that elderly drivers were just as safe as any other age group on the roads, especially young people.
He highlighted how in some cases, elderly drivers could be safer than those who have passed their test in recent years.
According to data from the Department for Transport, crashes increase over the age of 75, with the highest rate for any group being 86 and over.
Before the debate, Dr Hilary took part in a mock driving test with driving instructor Noel Gaughan, who has helped the likes of Adele, James McAvoy and Niall Horan all pass their tests.
He passed the test with flying colours, with the instructor saying he was marvellous behind the wheel.
Paul Britton, criminal defence lawyer and managing director at Britton and Time, suggested that once drivers reach the age of 70, they should be banned from being behind the wheel.
He stated that there are more collisions by elderly drivers than all other age groups put together for the top category of reasons for the crash.
READ MORE: Drivers face £2,500 fines for standing next to their car
This could include not seeing or failing to observe the road ahead, manoeuvers, loss of control and mental health or disability.
Mr Britton added: "This is a dangerous area. There are 3,000-3,500 deaths or serious injuries every year caused by an older driver over 70.
"If you look at drink driving statistics which we ban altogether, that covers all of the age group, there are 6,000.
"Now we're talking just the over 70s are responsible for 3,000-3,500 deaths or serious injuries every year.
GMB host and former MP, Ed Balls, interjected in the debate, saying: "There are 40-year-olds or 17-year-olds that are terrible drivers, but of course, there will be some 80-year-olds who are great drivers.
"So it does seem that saying 'ban everybody at 70' is a bit extreme isn't it?"
In response, Mr Britton said: "It might be a bit extreme but we ban everyone under the age of 17 automatically.
"If we look at the categories most affected by the younger drivers, these are things like excessive speed."
It was suggested that elderly drivers could make use of public transport, which Susanna Reid criticised.
She said that for many in rural areas, public transport is the car, with most areas away from towns and cities lacking a consistent bus and train service.