Almost 10,000 Shropshire drivers are over 80

Nearly 10,000 people over the age of 80 still have their driving licences in Shropshire – and they are safer on the roads than younger drivers, the DVLA revealed today.

A total of 9,916 people aged 80 and over and live in the county are still allowed to drive. And the rate of deaths and serious injuries in crashes among drivers over 80 is three times less than for those aged 17 to 19.

The DVLA said the number of drivers over the age of 80 nationwide had now topped one million with 660,000 men and 350,000 women still getting behind the wheel.

Bosses at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, who requested the figures, said there were also 122 licence holders over the age of 100, including three 105 year olds and one lady who is 106.

The institute said some of the elderly motorists were unlikely to have ever taken a driving test which did not come into existence until 1935.

Over-80s represent about three per cent of drivers on British roads and the number is set to continue rising as people live longer. This includes more than 65,000 people over 90.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said contrary to assumptions, drivers in their 80s were not dangerous.

However, he added drivers over the age of 80 were more likely to suffer serious injuries in a car crash due to their frailty. "Older people need their cars which give them better mobility and access to more activities and services," he added.

"Those who wish to continue driving beyond the age of 70 should only be prevented from doing so if there are compelling reasons.

"However, we should make them more aware of the risks they face, and offer them assessments to help them eliminate bad habits."