Calls For Further Support Among Elderly Drivers As Deaths Rise - News

• Latest official figures reveal more elderly people are dying on UK roads compared to 10 years ago
• Deaths among people aged 70 and above increased by 26% for females, and 5% for males, when compared to 2012
• TrackDays calls for a more proactive approach to help bring the trend back in line with other age groups

More elderly motorists are dying on UK roads compared to 10 years ago, according to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) data release, and here at TrackDays, we are calling for more to be done to improve road safety.

Indeed, the provisional road casualty figures, released annually by the DfT, which reports the number of fatalities and casualties on Britain's roads, reveals that there has been a startling 155 deaths last year among females aged 70 and above, which represents a 26% increase when compared to levels in 2012.

What's more, the numbers for males of the same age bracket were up by 5%, with 231 fatalities recorded.

These startling statistics have prompted us to back the call for more proactive measures to help ensure deaths on the roads for elderly people following the overall trends of the other age brackets.

Dan Jones, Operations Manager at TrackDays.co.uk, says: "The UK generally has some of the safest roads in the world, but this latest data set revealed a hard truth which was difficult to read."

"There should be no reason why we see deaths on our roads for all other ages decreasing when compared to a decade ago but increasing for over 70s."

Although the provisional data release does not yet include the causes of the fatalities, Jones believes further proactive approaches to driver appraisals should be considered by all.

Jones continues: "Currently, once you hit 70 you need to renew your driving licence, alongside being advised to take an eye test. However, we believe that drivers should be encouraged to undertake further regular driver appraisals once you reach a certain age to ensure everyone can remain safe on the roads."

"Undergoing periodic appraisals, or alternative safer driving courses, is a way of helping motorists maintain their independence while also reducing the risks associated with age-related changes."

To find details of our courses and lessons to help with better driving out on the roads, including our Safer Driving Course, visit the Driving Lessons page today on the TrackDays website to book from available dates on our Events Calendar or purchase via our open Gift Vouchers.