Idea of bad older drivers ‘a myth’
New statistics have suggested the idea that older drivers cause more accidents than younger ones is nothing more than a myth.
Motorists over 70 are responsible for just 6% of pedestrian accidents each year, figures compiled by the Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM) Trust showed.
Male drivers under 30 are most likely to be in a fatal collision with a pedestrian and are responsible for 30% of such deaths, the trust’s Motoring Facts 2008 revealed.
IAM Trust director Neil Greig said: “All too often older drivers are criticised for poor driving standards and for being a danger on our roads. The statistics explode that myth".
“Older drivers have a wealth of motoring experience and knowledge and the vast majority self-regulate the extent of driving in relation to their ability.”
The figures also showed that in the past 20 years, the percentage of all adults holding a driving licence has risen from 57% to 72%.
The trust’s statistics also revealed a stark variation in road safety expenditure by region in England with the highest spending region allocating more than two-and-a-half times the budget per kilometre of road than the lowest spending one.
Copyright © PA Business 2008
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