A raft of new driving safety laws is being proposed
A raft of new driving safety laws is being proposed
A fresh compulsory safety test has been put proposed for certain drivers, with mounting pressure for the test to be made universal. As part of a wider road safety package, the Government has suggested introducing mandatory eye tests every three years for motorists aged over 70.
Current rules mandate that to be allowed to get behind the wheel, you must be capable of reading a number plate from a 20-metre distance. However, you are not required to provide proof that you can do this. The rules outline that you must notify the DVLA if you become unable to drive, such as when your vision deteriorates, but this depends on drivers voluntarily reporting any problems.
Auto Express conducted a survey to gauge public opinion on the suggested changes. Most people said the policy change should be extended further. More than three-quarters of participants believed there should be compulsory vision checks for drivers across all age groups.
Fundamental to safe driving
Nearly half of those surveyed indicated these tests for all motorists should happen every three years. Steve Walker, head of Digital Content at Auto Express, said: “There’s no question that good eyesight is fundamental to safe driving, and Auto Express has long encouraged motorists of all ages to have regular eye tests.
“However, the evidence shows that eyesight can deteriorate more quickly with age, and older drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious accidents, which is why targeted, mandatory checks for over-70s make sense from a road safety perspective.” However, the car expert thinks compulsory tests for all motorists could be a step too far.
Mr Walker said: “Introducing compulsory checks every 10 years for all drivers risks being overly bureaucratic when the evidence shows eyesight deterioration is far more likely later in life. That said, maintaining good vision is important at any age.
“What matters most is that drivers take responsibility for their eyesight, getting their eyes checked regularly and especially if they notice blurred distance vision, difficulty reading road signs, increased glare from headlights, poor night vision, double vision or eye strain, all of which can significantly affect reaction times and hazard awareness behind the wheel.” The suggested compulsory tests form part of the Government’s newly published Road Safety Strategy.
‘Good advice’ to get tested
Other proposed changes include requiring learner drivers to have a minimum three to six-month learning period between their theory and practical examinations. During parliamentary discussions on the proposals, Leicester South MP Shockat Adam put forward the idea of universal eyesight tests for all motorists.
He said: “The UK is one of the only countries in Europe that does not have mandatory sight tests until people have to renew their licence at the age of 70, so somebody could pass a driving test at 17 or 18, then not have an eye test until they are 70 years old. Does the minister agree that people should have a sight test every time their driving licence is renewed, which is every 10 years, to ensure that they are safe on the road?”
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood delivered the Government’s response. She said: “No one should be driving on our roads whose eyesight does not meet the required standard. We have chosen to consult on eye tests for those over 70, but it would be good advice for everyone to have their eyes tested on a regular basis.”
