Elderly drivers are just as safe as younger motorists, with their frailty playing a major factor as to why they are more likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash.

That’s according to researchers at this week’s British Science Festival, which rebuked the claim that dangerous driving was linked to older age.

During a presentation at the festival, Swansea University’s Charles Musselwhite, who led the work, said that while older drivers were more likely to be killed or injured in a road accident, he said this was more down to their increased frailty, rather than driving ability.

However, he did concede that older drivers are much more likely to have an accident involving a right hand turn, with 13 per cent of over-70s being involved in a collision whilst turning right, compared to seven per cent of under-70s.

Current UK law requires motorists to renew their licence when they turn 70, and again every three years to satisfy the DVLA that they are still fit to drive. In Australia, motorists over 85 must pass a re-test.

“Older drivers often get a bad rap, as they actually tend to be some of the safest people on the road,” said a spokesperson for the RAC Foundation.

“They often self-regulate and avoid situations where they feel uncomfortable, such as driving during the rush hour, at night or on motorways.”