This presentation will cover new research from IAM RoadSmart which reveals that motorists over the age of 60 years intend to drive for as long as they are safe to do so, and that the average age they would consider giving up their licence is 82 years.

The report is based on the findings from a survey of more than 3,000 respondents aged 60+ from across the UK, which suggest that older drivers value their cars to maintain independence and want to stay mobile for as long as possible.

The presentation will make the case for an education campaign to help drivers plan for retirement from driving at an earlier age, and will call for government to consider offering ‘mature driver reviews’ on prescription to encourage uptake and ensure equal access.

Rebecca Ashton, Head of Policy and Research, IAM RoadSmart

Rebecca Ashton is head of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart. She has over twenty-five years’ experience in road safety, is an advanced driver and is a qualified approved driving instructor.

As the lead representative of IAM RoadSmart on news items relating to driver behaviour, Rebecca regularly appears in the media to raise awareness of critical road safety issues.

She also writes advice and guidance material for UK drivers and motorcyclists to ensure their knowledge and skills are kept up-to-date.

Rebecca represents IAM RoadSmart on several influential road safety committees including the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), Transport Focus, Highways England Road User Panel, the DfT Motorcycle Safety Strategy Group, the IMTD (Institute of Master Tutors of Driving) and also sits on the FIA’s European Driver Training Development working party.

Neil Greig, Policy & Research Director, IAM RoadSmart

Neil Greig joined IAM RoadSmart in 2007 and his role involves setting the strategic direction for its Policy and Research Division, co-ordinating its research programme and working with the media and opinion formers across the UK.

He also represents IAM RoadSmart in Scotland and Brussels on working parties of the FIA Mobility Division.

Prior to joining IAM RoadSmart, he was head of policy for the AA Motoring Trust in Scotland, head of roads and environment for the AA in the Midlands and, for a short time, technical manager road safety at RoSPA in the early nineties.

Neil represents IAM RoadSmart on many committees including PACTS, the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards panel, Transport Scotland’s Road Safety Operational Group, Road Safety Scotland’s Publicity Advisory Group, Transport Focus and Highways England’s Road User Panels, and the DfT Motorcycle Safety Strategy Group.