UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK government plans mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 and stricter drink-driving rules to reduce road deaths and injuries by 2035.
As reported by Millie Cooke of The Independent, ministers are considering mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and above, along with stricter drink-driving measures under new road safety plans.
How did the UK plan to make roads safer for drivers over 70?
As part of its road safety plan, the government may consider cognitive tests for older drivers to reduce deaths and injuries while preserving their independence.
The upcoming road safety strategy, to be released on Wednesday, aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, and by 70% for children under 16.
Around a quarter of drivers killed in collisions last year were over 70, with older drivers accounting for 12% of total deaths.
According to The Times, the government is considering lowering the legal alcohol limit for drivers from 35 micrograms to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, matching Scotland’s rules and making even a single pint risky.
Under the proposal, uninsured drivers could face harsher fines and tougher penalties, with fixed fines set higher than average insurance premiums.
The government’s plan could see initial fines for offences rise to £600, and authorities may introduce penalty points for drivers caught not wearing seatbelts for the first time.
Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood said,
“We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and help them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads.”
She added,
“As the country’s older population grows, our plans in the first road safety strategy in more than a decade will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives.”
Commenting on the government’s plan, Edmund King, the president of the AA, said,
“A move to make eye tests for older drivers mandatory is obviously welcome, especially as the likelihood of crashes increases once someone is over the age of 70, and markedly shoots up over the age of 80 to a peak at age 86, with eyesight often a worrying factor.”
He added,
“Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 anyway and healthcare professionals advise them every two years, given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions.”
What did the Lancashire Coroner say about the self-reporting of drivers’ vision?
Dr James Adeley, HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, highlighted that the UK is among just three countries relying on drivers to self-report vision problems.
In a report submitted to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, he said,
“Self-reporting of visual conditions permits drivers to lie about their current driving status to those performing an ophthalmic assessment and avoid warnings not to drive.”
Adeley added,
“Drivers may also admit they drive but then ignore instructions not to drive and fail to notify the DVLA.”
What are the current rules for drivers with failing eyesight in the UK?
The legal standard requires drivers to read a vehicle number plate from 20 meters, with glasses or contacts if needed, and have at least 0.5 visual acuity on the Snellen scale.
Drivers with eye conditions affecting both eyes, or their only seeing eye, face fines of up to £1,000 and possible prosecution if unreported.
Under the new proposed changes, drivers aged 70 and above would face compulsory eyesight checks every three years instead of self-certifying their vision.
