Road age: Oldies rule on UK roads

There are now more than a million licensed drivers older than 80 and 122 centenarians on the roads, including three 105-year-olds and one 106-year-old woman.

The age gap between the youngest and oldest licensed driver is 90 years but accident statistics show that neither age group is more of a hazard on the highways. The number of deaths and serious injuries in crashes among drivers older than 80 is only one-third that of those aged 17-19. In 2010 one driver aged 17-19 was killed or seriously injured per thousand licence holders. The rates among car drivers aged 20-24 is 36.4% greater than those aged 80 or more. However, an elderly driver is more likely to sustain serious injuries in a car crash due to their frailty.

British Institute of Advanced Drivers' chief executive Simon Best said: “Older people need their cars for mobility and access to more activities and services. Those who wish to continue driving beyond the age of 70 should only be prevented from doing so if there are compelling reasons.

"Rather than seeking to prevent older people driving we should make them more aware of the risks they face and offer them driving assessments to eliminate bad habits. Driving helps older people play a full and active part in society.”

click to enlarge UK’S OLDEST DRIVER: Sheila Thomson is offi cially the oldest driver in Britain at 106. We say ‘Go for it, ma’am!’