RIAS Supports Driving Courses for Older Drivers

March 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Commenting on the proposal of a national, government-backed driving course for older motorists, Sarah Howe, Marketing Director at RIAS says:

“Over 50s motor insurance provider RIAS, which has issued a joint report with the International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK) about when people think that older drivers should ‘hang up their keys’, supports the proposal of a national, government-backed driving course for older motorists on a voluntary basis. Whilst the report – ‘Staying Safe and Mobile: Older Drivers’ – found that almost one in four (24%) Brits – equivalent to 11.9 million consumers – think that drivers should hang up their keys at age 75, 70 or even younger than 70, there is no evidence to suggest older drivers up to the age of 80 years old, are less safe behind the wheel than younger drivers.

“What is clear, however, is from both our experience as over 50s insurance specialist and official statistics older drivers have fewer accidents than younger drivers, partly because older drivers are more likely to self-regulate their driving behaviours, for example avoiding risky driving conditions or driving at times of the day when they feel more comfortable and safe.  This type of voluntary scheme is likely to appeal to older drivers as we know that older drivers do often recognise when the time comes that they may be putting themselves and others at risk, and they regulate their driving to maintain their independence for as long as possible.”

In addition, David Sinclair, Assistant Director, Policy and Communications at ILC-UK comments:

“In an ageing society, there is a need to support drivers as they get older.  Older people today are driving further and more often than previous generations and are more reliant on their car than ever.  Our report shows that there is strong support for punitive measures around driving in later life but there is little evidence that these will lead to safer roads.

“We strongly support self-regulation and suggest that at the point of licence renewal, older drivers should be required to declare that they have sought the advice of a medical professional before self-certifying their fitness to drive, or indeed taking part in a driving course which has been discussed today.”

To read the full ‘Staying Safe and Mobile: Older Drivers’ report, please visit www.rias.co.uk/mediacentre