Declining driving skill is a 'misconception'

It is generally accepted that a person's driving ability diminishes as they get older. However, a new study claims that this belief is largely a misconception.

A paper in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that the assertion that older drivers have a higher rate of crashes because they are poor drivers is wrong.

Figures showing that over-65s are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash are a representation of their "frailty", not driving ability, according to Dr Ezra Hauer from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto.

Additionally, older adults are statistically more likely to be driving in areas with intersections, which are prime crash sites and there is an increased likelihood of incidents being reported to the police when involving older drivers.

Gordon Morris, managing director at Age UK Enterprises, commented: "We believe that people should be able to drive no matter what age they are, including and above the age of 100 years – ability is what matters."

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