A leading motoring mechanic has suggested that older motorists should eventually “stop driving” in an urgent warning. Mechanic Scotty Kilmer explained that older motorists get to a stage where they are a “danger” and should no longer be on the road. He stressed that individuals could “start running into things”, which should indicate they need to hand over their driving licence.
In the UK, there are no rules or set age limits regarding when drivers should surrender their driving licences. Individuals only have to renew their licence every three years and declare any medical conditions to stay behind the wheel.
However, Scotty warned that many should be pulled off the roads with safety now a top priority.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Scotty explained: “He bought it from a little old man. That’s why it’s got such low mileage and a lot of scratches.
“The guy’s daughter had to finally take the car away from him because he wasn’t able to drive anymore.
“You get to a point where you’ve got to stop driving, I mean. One of those days, I’ll probably be at that stage, and I’ll probably be infuriated, but hey.
“If you’re a danger to yourself and others and you start running into things all the time, it’s time to stop driving.”
Data from 2023 shows that around a quarter of all car drivers killed were older drivers,
Meanwhile, 11% of all casualties in car collisions were found to involve older drivers.
Motorists can voluntarily hand over their driving licence if they feel they could be a danger on the road.
Handing over a driving licence makes it much easier to get a photocard back later if an individual’s condition improves.
However, the DVLA may revoke the driving licence of individuals who refuse to get off the road under some circumstances.
The Older Drivers Forum said: “However, the time may come when it is simply no longer possible for you to continue to drive safely, and for your own sake, and the sake of other people on the road, you must stop driving, and give up your driving licence.
“If you carry on driving when you are no longer safe to do so, you would be putting yourself, and other people (your passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and people in other vehicles) at risk.”