UK road safety charity TyreSafe has announced a new partnership with the Older Drivers Forum, aimed at helping mature motorists, approximately 6.3 million drivers aged 70 and over, with a better understanding of the critical role tyres play in staying safe on the road as driving conditions and personal capabilities change with age.
The Older Drivers Forum is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, dedicated to supporting a cohort of older motorists, growing by approximately 250,000 each year, with practical advice and guidance on continuing to drive safely for as long as they are fit to do so. The Forum works nationally with road safety organisations, the Department for Transport and Government departments to promote informed, responsible and safe driving into later life.
Nationally, the Older Drivers Forum, Rob Heard MBE, works with a third of the country’s police forces as a Road Safety Consultant for Driving Mobility, engaging with millions of senior motorists through the Police Fitness to Drive Assessment, run by Driving Mobility, alongside welcoming thousands of daily visitors to their website, offering a wealth of support and guidance.
While older drivers bring experience, confidence and tolerance to the road, factors such as eyesight, hearing, reaction times and judgement of speed and distance can change over time. Which is why the Older Drivers Forum is advocating strongly for mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over 70 to be including the in Government’s newly launched road safety strategy. The Older Drivers Forum is supportive of this proposal. The Forum recognises and values the fact that the vast majority of older drivers are conscientious and proactive in maintaining their eyesight through regular optician visits. However, also acknowledges that a small number of drivers continue to drive despite their vision no longer meeting the legal standard for safe driving.
Regular eyesight checks provide reassurance that vision remains at a safe standard for driving. This is intended as a supportive safeguard, not a restriction, and can help identify issues early so that people can continue driving confidently and safely for as long as possible.
The new partnership will focus on ensuring older drivers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to reduce risk — with particular emphasis on tyre condition, inflation and tread depth. Tyres play a vital role in braking performance and vehicle control, particularly in wet conditions where stopping distances are significantly increased. Research highlights just how critical tyre condition can be:
- At 70mph, worn tyres have seven times more effect on total stopping distance in wet weather than drinking alcohol
(Source: Halfords plc and Professor Peter Wells, Cardiff University, December 2022) - At 70mph, worn tyres add 27 metres — or 28% — to the Highway Code baseline stopping distance
(123m vs. 96m baseline)
(Source: Halfords plc and Professor Peter Wells, October 2023) - At 50mph, wet braking distances increased by 6.9m on tyres at the legal minimum of 1.6mm compared to new tyres, while tyres with 3mm tread took only 2.7m longer to stop
(Source: Continental Tyres)
These differences can be critical for drivers who may already be compensating for reduced reaction times or eyesight changes.
Through the partnership, TyreSafe and the Older Drivers Forum will work together to raise awareness of how maintaining roadworthy tyres — correct pressure, good condition and sufficient tread — can help improve safety and confidence behind the wheel.
“Tyres are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, and their condition can make a profound difference to stopping distances and vehicle control,” said Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe.
“As we get older, even small increases in braking distance can have serious consequences. By working with the Older Drivers Forum, we want to ensure mature drivers understand how simple tyre checks can help them continue driving safely and confidently for longer.”
The Older Drivers Forum provides a wide range of practical resources via its website, including guidance on licence renewal, eyesight and medical considerations, confidence-boosting driving assessments, and recorded webinars that can be accessed at home. The Forum also supports families and carers who may have concerns about an older driver, as well as those planning for a future without a car.
Importantly, the Forum does not perform any legal or enforcement role and has no authority to revoke driving licences. Its focus is on education, empowerment and safety.
“Many older drivers want clear, practical advice they can trust,” said Rob Heard MBE, Chair of the Older Drivers Forum. “Our partnership with TyreSafe strengthens the support we can offer by highlighting the importance of tyres in real-world driving situations. Understanding how tyre condition affects stopping distances and vehicle control helps older drivers make informed decisions that protect themselves and others.”
TyreSafe will support the Forum with tyre safety expertise, educational content and evidence-based messaging, reinforcing the importance of regular tyre checks as part of safe driving at any age.
For more information on tyre safety, visit www.tyresafe.org.
To learn more about the Older Drivers Forum and access its resources, visit www.olderdriversforum.com.
