Figures published today by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Motoring Trust turn on its head the myth that older drivers are more dangerous than others.In fact, a new IAM Trust publication reveals that drivers over the age of 70 are significantly safer than those under 30 and no greater risk to other road users than middle-aged drivers.
The report, IAM Motoring Facts 2008, shows that as car drivers grow older they become less of a risk to other road users and less likely to be injured in road accidents themselves.However, any injuries they sustain are likely to be more severe due to age-related frailty.
Despite a doubling to 50 per cent over the past two decades in the level of those over 70 in Britain holding a licence, these drivers are responsible for just six per cent of pedestrian deaths.Male drivers under 30 are those most likely to be in a fatal collision with a pedestrian and are responsible for 30 per cent of such deaths.
In the past 20 years the percentage of all adults holding a driving licence has risen from 57 per cent to with 72 per cent.
“All too often older drivers are criticised for poor driving standards and for being a danger on our roads,” says Neil Greig, director of the IAM Motoring Trust. “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.”
Scotland Tops Road Death League
Despite having only a third of the average daily traffic flow of England and roughly the same level of vehicle ownership, Scotland tops Britain’s league when it comes to road fatalities per head of population, according to research by the IAM Motoring Trust.
The latest figures published in the IAM Trust’s new compendium of road statistics, IAM Motoring Facts 2008, show that Scotland has a higher rate of fatalities on its roads than both England and Wales and a rate 14 per cent higher than the average for Britain as a whole.
During 2006, there were 6.1 fatalities per 100,000 people on Scotland’s 60,000km of roads.In England the figure was 5.3 and 5.5 in Wales.Scotland also has the highest proportion of people seriously injured on its roads.In the same year, just over 57 people per 100,000 population were killed or seriously injured on the roads compared to the average of 54.2 for Britain as a whole.
Commenting on the findings, Neil Greig said: “Fatalities are coming down in Scotland but it is sobering to see it is still top of the league for accident severity. Road design, driver training, police enforcement, distance to hospitals and even quieter roads may all be factors that go some way to explain Scotland’s position. The long term solution lies in investment in targeting young drivers, rural roads and multi-agency working to deliver safer roads, safer cars and safer drivers.”
The figures in the IAM Trust’s report highlight the vast improvements in road safety in the past two decades.The number of people per 100,000 population killed or seriously injured on roads in Scotland in 1990 was 134, nearly two and a half times the current rate.
Around two million cars are registered in Scotland, yet the country still has the least densely used network in Britain.The figures on road use and safety are included in the IAM Motoring Trust’s definitive reference guide to life on the UK’s roads – now and over the last 50 years.Published today, IAM Motoring Facts 2008 brings together data from vehicle manufacturers, government bodies and trade associations.
IAM Motoring Facts 2008 provides a one-stop data source and aims to provide straight answers to many controversial issues such as vehicle noise and particulate pollution; road deaths, congestion and road construction.It is available online at
www.iamtrust.org.uk
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Media contacts
Becky Hadley/David Armstrong at Hadstrong 020 7808 7997
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Notes to Editors:
A full copy of the IAM’s Motoring Facts is available at:www.iamtrust.org.uk
The IAM Motoring Trust is the research and advocacy arm of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists)
