More than 110 road safety professionals gathered in Birmingham on Tuesday (28 April), sharing expertise on how best to support mature drivers to maintain their independence while at the same time enhancing their safety.
The UK’s population is ageing, with the proportion of people aged 65 and over increasing year-on-year.
As a result, the number of mature drivers is also on the rise. Government data shows there were more than 6 million people aged 70 or over with a full driving licence in the UK as of September 2024.
The Mature Drivers’ Conference – hosted by Road Safety GB and supported by GEM Motoring Assist, The Road Safety Trust & Waymo – looked at this cohort of road users in the context of the Safe System approach to road safety.
James Gibson, executive director of Road Safety GB, said: “It was an excellent day, a day that brought together experts in this field of road safety. We were blessed with a stellar line-up of presenters that really know their subject area. The presentations were simply outstanding and we are so very grateful to all of our speakers.
“Special thanks must go to Rob Heard MBE and James Luckhurst for their superb input in terms of chairing the conference and running the panel sessions, both did this so brilliantly and with such enthusiasm. Huge thanks to Minister Greenwood, our sponsors, exhibitors and of course our delegates.”
The event was opened by Lilian Greenwood MP, minister for local transport. In her keynote speech, Ms Greenwood stressed the importance of finding a balance between retaining older drivers’ independence and improving safety for all road users.
The MP for Nottingham South added that the Government is working to ensure that new vehicles are fitted with technology to help keep older drivers safe, confirming that it will also work to tackle headlight glare and impaired driving.
With regards to eyesight, Ms Greenwood noted that if someone can’t see well enough to drive, they shouldn’t be on the roads – suggesting a formal process for eyesight testing could help keep drivers safe.
The agenda also included a presentation from Professor Charles Musselwhite, Aberystwyth University, who highlighted practical strategies for supporting older people, particularly when considering retiring from driving.
Meanwhile, Rob Heard MBE, who chaired the day’s proceedings, provided an evidence-based picture of older driver safety and provoke informed discussion on how best to support safe mobility in later life.
Other speakers included Dr Liz Box (ECM Research) & Tanya Fosdick (Agilysis), Dr Carol Hawley (Warwick University), Professor Richard Cuerden (TRL) and Nigel Lloyd-Jones (the Older Drivers Forum for Gloucestershire).
Paul Steinberg, deputy chief executive at The Road Safety Trust, opened the afternoon session. He said: “The Road Safety Trust is proud to have supported this conference which has shone an important spotlight on the unique challenges faced by older drivers.
“Given the focus on this demographic within the Government’s National Road Safety Strategy, it’s important that there are supportive policies and interventions in place guided by research and insight, which can support mature drivers in maintaining their independence and safety on our roads.
“What’s been particularly valuable is the emphasis on real-world solutions. By bringing together research, policy and practice, events like this help to ensure that older drivers are recognised and supported to drive with confidence and dignity, while contributing to our wider goal of reducing serious and fatal collisions on our roads.”
James Luckhurst, GEM head of road safety, facilitated two lively panel discussions. He said: “Older drivers make a huge contribution to safer, calmer roads, but we know that the point at which driving has to change – or stop altogether – can be daunting and deeply personal.
“This conference is about listening, learning and making sure every older road user feels supported, respected and safe.”
Heather Aijian, Head of Public Affairs at Waymo, said: “At Waymo, we believe that ‘giving up the keys’ shouldn’t mean giving up your independence.
“Waymo’s fully autonomous vehicles offer a safe, reliable, and stress-free alternative that keeps people connected to their communities. We are proud to support Road Safety GB in its mission to ensure that as road users age, they remain empowered, independent, and, most importantly, safe on every journey.”
Road Safety GB is a national road safety organisation made up of representatives from groups across the UK, including local government road safety teams.
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