Older motorists are more likely to miss potential hazards on the road than any other age group, according to worrying new research.
The report found more than nine in 10 drivers aged over 55 failed to spot a pedestrian during an observation test, leading to more calls for additional safety measures.
Research revealed that 91 per cent of drivers aged 55 and over missed a pedestrian walking at the side of the road, compared with younger drivers aged 25 to 34, who were far more likely to notice the hazard.
The report also uncovered evidence of widespread “highway hypnosis,” where motorists mentally zone out on familiar journeys and struggle to remember parts of their trip.
Despite the findings, three-quarters of drivers said they were confident they noticed everything important when driving.
However, when participants were shown a short traffic clip and asked to report what they had seen, almost nine in 10 (86 per cent) failed to spot the pedestrian.
The findings suggest many motorists may be overestimating their awareness behind the wheel, potentially putting themselves and other road users at risk.
The Highway Code expects to remain alert and aware of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users at all times. Failing to pay proper attention to the road can lead to prosecution for careless driving if an incident occurs.
Older motorists were more likely to miss a hazard while driving
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GETTYCareless driving offences can result in fines of up to £5,000, between three and nine penalty points and, in more serious cases, a driving ban.
The research, carried out by MoneySuperMarket, found serious cases of concentration issues among drivers behind the wheel.
Meanwhile, one in 10 motorists said they regularly miss speed limit changes, while 12 per cent admitted they often miss intended turns.
Drivers caught speeding face a minimum £100 fine and three penalty points, although penalties can increase substantially depending on the severity of the offence and whether it took place on the motorway.
Drivers can be issued a £100 fine and slapped with three penalty points for speeding | PA
The study also found that more than a quarter of motorists (27 per cent) believed pedestrians and cyclists often seem to “appear from nowhere”, which researchers suggested may be linked to poor observation habits and a failure to actively scan the road environment.
More than three in five drivers (61 per cent) said they considered themselves more aware of their surroundings than other road users.
Drivers aged 35 to 44 were the most confident, with 88 per cent describing themselves as observant and 80 per cent believing they notice everything important while driving.
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, warned that confidence while driving does not always match reality.
Cases of careless driving can result in £5,000 fine
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DEVON AND CORNWALL POLICEShe said: “Even for the most experienced drivers, maintaining awareness behind the wheel is crucial when driving a vehicle, and overconfidence can sometimes have very serious consequences.”
Ms Hempsted explained that, from an insurance perspective, a lack of focus or concentration, even for a split second, “can affect the outcome of any insurance claims you might submit in the event of an accident”.
Urging drivers to remain vigilant, she said: “When driving a vehicle, it’s important to maintain your focus, as a hazard can appear at any time.
“Keep your eyes moving across the road and your mirrors, checking every few seconds for other road users and hazards, as well as before accelerating, braking or performing any manoeuvres.”