Older drivers have been given a stark warning that theymay have been ripped off by garages over the colder months. According to a new study, one in ten older drivers had an accident or near miss on the roads last winter due to icy conditions.
Experts claim that the arctic blast set to sweep the UK will create a ‘perfect storm’ of dangerous driving conditions. The mixture of rain and temperatures hovering around freezing point are what is making roads particularly dangerous. Black ice in particular creates difficulty for older drivers.
According to TrustFord, who arrange a Road Safety Week in the UK, six in ten older drivers worry about winter conditions. 80% of them even decide to avoid driving all together if they can.
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The over 65s can find black ice particularly difficult, as it is harder to see even for young drivers. Poorer eyesight could miss it entirely.
One way to increase driving confidence in winter is to have a seasonal check at a local garage. While two thirds of older drivers say this would help their confidence, only 19% have had it done.
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But part of the issue with seasonal checks is that some garages are supposedly overcharging pensioners for the service. Over a quarter of older drivers believe they have been overcharged or taken advantage of by garages or mechanics due to their age.
Of those who realised they had been overcharged in the past 12 months, they estimate that they had been so of around £209 – equating to a national total of £141m in the past year.
Stuart Cresswell, Motoring Expert and Aftersales Director, TrustFord, said: “We know that many older drivers get particularly anxious about driving in winter and the weather the UK is currently experiencing could lead to a perfect storm of dangerous conditions.
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“Snow or heavy rain creates a clear visual warning for drivers, but wet roads and temperatures around the zero create perfect conditions for black ice which are hard for anyone to spot, let alone older drivers whose eyesight might not be quite as sharp. It can also be harder for them to take evasive action.”
He continued: “It is also concerning that a minority of garages appear to be overcharging some drivers, eroding trust. We also know that many older people are feeling the effects of the cut in the Winter Fuel Allowance. We want older motorists to feel supported in local communities and cared for within our branches, where we treat customers like we would our own family.
“As such, we’re delighted to support them by launching a completely free check for all older drivers, with any make or model of vehicle, to help them feel confident on the roads this winter, without it hitting them in the pocket.”
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