New research has suggested that elder drivers are safer than younger ones.

The survey, from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, found that only four percent of road accidents resulting in injury were caused by drivers aged 70 or over, despite drivers in that age group accounting for eight percent of all motorists.

However, younger drivers, who made up 15 percent of all motorists, were responsible for 34 percent of road accidents resulting in injury.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of policy and research said: “The report contradicts the common assumption that older drivers are a danger on the roads. The IAM recommends that, rather than seeking to prevent older people from driving, we need to make them aware of the risks they face, and offer them driving assessments to help them cope with these risks.”

The survey revealed that in the next 20 years the number of male motorists over the age of 70 is predicted to double, whilst the number of female drivers will treble.

It also found that elderly drivers are more cautious and are less likely to go out in poor light, wet weather, at peak times or travel on motorways, where there is actually a bigger risk of them being involved in a road accident than their younger counter parts.

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