Experts have issued a serious warning to elderly drivers about road safety over the coming months, as they could be more at risk of being involved in an accident.
Data shows that between 2004 and 2023, collisions resulting in a fatality or serious injury involving an older driver jumped by 12 per cent.
In comparison, the UK has seen a 45 per cent decrease in the number of collisions for all other age groups during the same time period.
Some of the most common factors involved in the serious accidents involving older people were a “failure to look properly” and “failure to judge another person’s path or speed”.
This could be exacerbated by the conditions and the time of day, with nights getting longer and the winter weather starting to set in.
AA research shows that accidents become more likely when the clocks go back and when daylight hours are shorter, with “crash season” approaching.
Darker evenings and wet road conditions can often dramatically increase the likelihood of an accident, especially among older people.
Growing calls have supported the introduction of measures to make roads safer for all road users.
Elderly drivers could soon face mandatory eye tests to prove they are fit for the road
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Labour is expected to unveil the UK’s first road safety strategy in more than 10 years over the coming months.
Potential proposals include lowering the drink-driving limit, tougher penalties for dangerous driving and a crackdown on motorists who fail to enforce seatbelt rules for their passengers.
One of the most controversial plans is for the introduction of mandatory eye tests, which could impact elderly drivers more than any other age group.
Reports have suggested that mandatory eye tests would take place every three years, at which point drivers over the age of 70 would need to renew their driving licence.
Tim Alcock, director at LeaseCar, said: “The Government’s proposed changes reflect a crucial conversation about how we support our ageing population while prioritising road safety for everyone.
“For millions of older people, driving is a lifeline and we believe a proactive approach that includes regular, non-invasive assessments is a sensible way forward.
“It’s about building confidence and providing support, not penalising a group of experienced drivers who, for the most part, have an excellent safety record and enjoy some of the lowest insurance premiums in the market.”
At present, there are only a handful of driving eyesight rules, with the main one stating that Britons must be able to read a car number plate, made after September 2001, from 20 metres.
Drivers must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale using both eyes together or, if they only have sight in one eye, in that eye.
Elderly drivers are not currently required to inform the DVLA of any medical condition unless it impacts their motoring ability.
This has also come under scrutiny amid instances of elderly drivers being involved in accidents that result in serious injuries or deaths, even when they have been told that they should no longer be behind the wheel.
The senior coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, described the UK’s licensing system of self-certification as the “laxest in Europe”, before calling for urgent changes to laws.