Honest John News Driving

Serious accidents involving over 70s on the increase

Richard Aucock
Fri, 03 Oct 2025

Accidents involving drivers over 70 have increased by 12% over the past 20 years.

New analysis has revealed the significant rise in collisions between 2004 and 2023 involving a fatality or serious injury among older drivers.

With the number of older drivers hitting a record high, experts are now highlighting the trend as debate continues over mandatory older driver eyesight tests and cognitive assessments.

The LeaseCar analysis revealing the 12% rise in older driver collisions "stands in stark contrast to the 45% decrease in killed or seriously injured casualties for other age groups over the same period."

Thera are now more than 6.3 million people aged 70 or over with a driving licence, including more than 1.6 million in their 80s – and over 500 centenarians.

The most common factors in serious incidents involving older drivers are a failure to look properly or a failure to judge another person’s path or speed.

There’s also a striking difference in the large number of fatal collisions involving older driver illness, either mental or physical, compared to other age groups.

Interestingly, the data shows that gender is less important for older age groups, with an even split between male and female casualties. This is in contrast to the stats for younger drivers, where incidents involving male drivers far outweigh females.

"The government’s proposed changes reflect a crucial conversation about how we support our ageing population while prioritising road safety for everyone," says LeaseCar director Tim Alcock.

"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."

Car insurance premiums back this up, with some older drivers enjoying the cheapest insurance costs. The average premium for those aged 65 to 74 is just £336, "testament to their long history of safe driving and no-claims discounts." says Alcock.

However, premiums do begin to climb noticeably for the oldest drivers, jumping to more than £700 for those aged 85 and over – an increase "driven by insurers’ perception of a higher risk for this age group."

Ask HJ

Should older drivers be tested for reactions as well as eyesight?

While I fully agree with over 70's having eye tests, at 82 I have had a two yearly one for over 20 years and have 18/20 vision, without glasses. I believe that all motorist over the age of 40 should have one. as I have seen people in this age group and over who eye sight is not up to standard. I also believe that reactions tests such as I had in the armed forces should be introduced, as you could have the necessary eyesight but poor reactions.
Eye tests for drivers of all ages should be something that we do regularly and voluntarily, but it is likely that there are many drivers on the road today whose eyesight is not up to standard. Mandatory testing would likely see these drivers have their licences taken away and make the roads safer for everyone else. Testing reaction times would also have the same effect. Given that mandatory testing such as this would probably need to be paid for by the drivers themselves, it seems like this could generate funds for the government, but perhaps not as much as keeping as many drivers as possible on the road.
Answered by David Ross
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