New Scottish initiative for older drivers

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a new campaign, encouraging drivers aged 60 years and over to reflect on their driving skills and take steps to stay safe and confident behind the wheel. The Fitness to Drive campaign was launched by Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for transport, and Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, as the driver MOT workshop begins its tour around Scotland to bring the campaign to drivers across the nation.

In 2024, 29% of car drivers killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads were aged 60 years and over. With more than 850,000 drivers in this age group in Scotland, the campaign highlights the importance of recognising changes that can come with age and taking simple, practical steps to address them. These include booking regular eye examinations, reducing night-time driving, avoiding busy junctions at peak hours, and refreshing driving skills with a mature driving review.

The driver MOT roadshow will raise awareness of these measures throughout autumn and winter with a series of events taking place at shopping centres, garden centres and community hubs across Scotland. Drivers can drop by for information and reassurance, as well as advice on how to adapt driving habits to continue driving safely for longer.