The Labour Party government in the United Kingdom is set to introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers aged over 70 as part of its new Road Safety Strategy. This initiative aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that older motorists maintain adequate vision for safe driving. The proposed measures, which will be enforced, are expected to include regular eye exams every three years and possibly cognitive assessments for elderly drivers.
Currently, individuals over the age of 70 are required to self-report their vision status to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The transition to mandatory checks comes after concerns were raised regarding the potential for abuse of the self-reporting system. According to Edmund King, president of the Automobile Association (AA), the move to enforce eye tests is a positive step, especially given the increased likelihood of crashes among older drivers.
King stated, “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 noted that eye tests are already free for individuals over the age of 60 and are recommended every two years by healthcare professionals since they can detect underlying health conditions.
The Labour Party’s local transport minister, Lilian Greenwood, emphasized the importance of balancing road safety with the independence of older drivers. “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 said. Greenwood highlighted that as the country’s older population grows, the government aims to preserve personal freedoms while implementing measures to save lives.
The new Road Safety Strategy is expected to be officially published on March 15, 2024. In addition to eye tests, the strategy may also include proposals for graduated driving licenses. King pointed out that evidence from countries like Canada and Australia shows that limiting same-age passengers in the cars of new drivers for a brief period can significantly enhance safety without imposing substantial inconvenience.
As discussions around this strategy progress, it remains to be seen how these changes will be received by the public and whether they will lead to a tangible decrease in road accidents involving older drivers. The Labour Party’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for enhanced safety measures in response to the evolving demographics of the driving population.
