Over 50s motor insurance provider RIAS has come out in support of the proposals for a national, government-backed driving course for older motorists.

Sarah Howe, marketing director at RIAS, said: “Over 50s motor insurance provider RIAS, which has issued a joint report with the International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK) about when people think that older drivers should ‘hang up their keys’, supports the proposal of a national, government-backed driving course for older motorists on a voluntary basis.

“Whilst the report – ‘Staying Safe and Mobile: Older Drivers’ – found that almost one in four (24%) Brits – equivalent to 11.9 million consumers – think that drivers should hang up their keys at age 75, 70 or even younger than 70, there is no evidence to suggest older drivers up to the age of 80 years old, are less safe behind the wheel than younger drivers.”

Statistics show that older drivers have fewer accidents than younger drivers, partly because older drivers are more likely to self-regulate their driving behaviours, for example avoiding risky driving conditions or driving at times of the day when they feel more comfortable and safe.

David Sinclair, assistant director of policy and communications at the International Longevity Centre, said his company was also in favour of self-regulation for older drivers.