The majority of older drivers want to continue driving as long as they are safely able, say the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Respondents cited independence and convenience as the main reasons.
The IAM report, called Keeping Older Drivers Safe and Mobile, surveyed more than 2,600 drivers and ex-drivers between the ages of 55 and 101 and was written by Dr Carol Hawley from the University of Warwick Medical School.
Although the report found 84% of driver respondents rated their driving ability as good to excellent and 86% rated their confidence as a driver as good to excellent, there were some factors which would persuade them to give up their car keys.
The survey stated, “Most current drivers would consider giving up driving if they had a health condition or a health professional advised them to stop driving.
“General practitioners, doctors and opticians/optometrists are the most influential people to give advice on giving up driving.”
Given the reasons why older people value driving, it is no surprise that older people are reluctant to give up their vehicles. Some 82% said that driving was ‘very or extremely important’ to them, and women were significantly more likely to rate driving as ‘extremely important’ than men.