Older drivers will soon be mandated to undergo regular eye examinations as part of a significant new initiative to enhance road safety. Individuals over the age of 70 will now be required to have their vision assessed every three years, replacing the previous system of self-reporting, which had faced criticism from coroners.
This measure is a key component of a comprehensive road safety strategy, described as the most extensive overhaul in decades, which includes suggestions to align the drink-driving limit in England with that of Scotland and penalize individuals for not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, officials are contemplating cognitive assessments for older drivers, although specific plans are not yet included in the consultation as further research is needed to determine the appropriate testing methods.
Unlike many other European nations, the UK has traditionally relied on self-reported health conditions to its driving authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). A recent coroner’s report highlighted a concerning 70% decrease in self-reporting of major conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration between 2019 and 2023.
The introduction of mandatory eye tests aims to enhance the safety of older drivers without unduly restricting their freedom of movement. Edmund King, President of the AA, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of eye tests for this demographic, particularly given the elevated risk of accidents among drivers over 70, which escalates significantly beyond the age of 80.
In other aspects of the strategy set to be unveiled soon, the drink-drive limit in England and Wales is anticipated to be lowered to match Scotland’s level. Furthermore, potential changes include implementing saliva tests for drug-driving checks to simplify legal procedures and doubling fines for uninsured drivers.
Despite calls from road safety experts, the government is unlikely to impose restrictions on new drivers under 21 regarding transporting peers in the six months following their driving test. The strategy’s overarching goal is to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, with a specific focus on achieving a 70% decrease for children under 16.
Recent statistics indicate that in 2024, 1,633 individuals lost their lives and nearly 28,000 suffered severe injuries in traffic incidents across Britain. While these figures have stabilized following a significant decline between 2000 and 2010, fatalities from drink-driving incidents have surged in the past decade, reaching a 13-year peak in 2022.
The proposed road safety measures aim to address these concerning trends and ultimately make British roads safer for all users.