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73% would report elderly car insurance holders over unsafe driving

12 Mar 2010

Posted by Dan Winters

Almost three-quarters of people would report elderly friends or relatives to the authorities over concerns about them posing a danger to other car insurance policyholders, research shows.

A poll by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) showed that 68 per cent believe mandatory re-testing of car insurance policyholders over the age of 70 would benefit road safety.

However, 77 per cent of the 1,628 people polled still thought that young motorists presented a greater risk to road safety than older car insurance policyholders.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, expressed concern at the results.

"The IAM believes we need to reassure the public that older drivers do not represent a disproportionate risk," he said.

"Retesting at 70 would be a mammoth administrative task," he added.

In contrast, Brake has recently called for car insurance policyholders over the age of 70 to be obliged to renew their license every year, including having an annual health check.