4 million over-70s driving in UK

We have all heard that the average age of the population is getting older, but did you know that there are already 4 million over 70s on the roads currently? The statistics appear to show that this proportion is going up. According to the RAC Foundation, the number of people over 70 who hold valid driving licences passed four million for the first time in the last quarter.

At present, drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licences every three years, but website whocanfixmycar.com is reminding motorists that they must also properly maintain their vehicles by visiting their local mechanic for scheduled checks, an annual MOT, and by considering vehicle adaptations. And this inevitably has implications for the way that tyre shops do their business too.

With the number of elderly drivers are set to continue to soar, as the government predicts that of the UK citizens alive today, around 10 million will reach the age of 100. Research from the AA revealed that by 2030, more than 90 per cent of men over 70 will be behind the wheel.

Ian Griffiths, CEO of whocanfixmycar.com, said: “There’s no doubt that driving a car provides older people with freedom, flexibility and confidence, and it is essential to make sure that vehicles continue to reflect the changing requirements of their owners over time. The best way to keep a car in good working order is to make regular visits to a local garage.”