Older drivers are typically as safe as drivers of other age groups, according to research published by an independent road safety charity in the UK, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

The report, titled Holding Back the Gears: The Ageing Process and Driver Safety, states that older drivers have comparatively better attitudes towards safety and hazards than young drivers, and use their experience to raise safety margins on the roads.

The study was conducted by the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) on behalf of the IAM, and included thirty-two participants, eight from each of the age groups: 17-26, 34-55, 64-74 and above 75.

According to the study, drivers over 75 years of age react as swiftly as drivers from all other age groups when a vehicle comes from a side road or if the vehicle in front stops suddenly on a rural road.

The practical study demonstrated that older drivers drive at slower speeds on all occasion and keep a longer following distance when compared to drivers from other age groups.

However, the research highlighted two areas of concern, older drivers appeared to stop short of the stop line near junctions and not look as frequently as other age groups before pulling out, and did not look in rear view mirrors as much as other age groups on the motorway.

"The report states that older drivers have comparatively better attitudes towards safety and hazards than young drivers, and use their experience to raise safety margins on the roads."

The study also showed that the older drivers are likely to have less neck flexibility and comparatively poor vision standards; however, this did not have much difference in driving performance.

TRL principal human factors researcher Nick Reed said that the study for IAM using the laboratory’s DigiCar simulator showed that in many of the driving scenarios tested, elder drivers were typically as safe as their younger counterparts.

The IAM has urged for a government action plan for older drivers, with more car manufacturers taking them into consideration when it comes to vehicle design, as well as greater publicity to encourage health professionals to discuss driving.

The institute has stressed upon on the need for better information for aged drivers and their families, online self-assessment tools for older people, wider availability of voluntary on-road driving reviews and better working partnership at a regional level.