Older drivers above 70 warned many are forgetting 'crucial' check with risk of £5k fine
Elderly drivers are at risk of being caught out and penalised by forgetting a common check this Autumn.
Older drivers above the age of 70 years old are making a major error behind the wheel which could see motorists slapped with hefty fines and penalty points on their licence.
Analysis of elderly drivers at a skills training day showed many over 70 were forgetting something when trying to reverse park in a major blow.
IAM RoadSmart confirmed several individuals “didn't adjust their mirrors” before trying the manoeuvre in what could be a potentially dangerous mistake.
The findings came to light after IAM RoadSmart and Cornwall Mobility teamed up to deliver a training day for older road users at Perranporth Airport.
A series of older motorists hoping to brush up on their skills were invited to get behind the wheel around a specially adapted track.
Speaking on TikTok, a spokesperson for IAMRoadSmart: “Certainly we’ve done an interesting thing on the reverse parking into a space. A lot of people didn’t adjust their mirrors, their nearside mirrors.”
Some modern vehicles have special technology installed which will automatically adjust door mirrors when a car is reversing.
This will usually help improve motorists' view behind and help reduce the risk of colliding with hazards.
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However, older vehicles won’t automatically alter the mirror meaning road users will have to do this manually if they feel they do not have a clear view.
Failing to properly check car mirrors is a massive risk and could see motorists in breach of the Highway Code for “dangerous driving” if they are involved in an accident.
This could see individuals slapped with a 12-month driving ban, a staggering £5,000 fine and a minimum of three penalty points issued on a licence.
According to Bill Plant Driving School, “properly adjusted mirrors for your height and seating position is paramount for your and your passenger’s safety”.
They warn motorists need to update their mirrors to ensure “maximum visibility” every time a seating position is changed.
Mirrors can either be adjusted using electric controls or a joystick and lever in older models.
