Older drivers above age of 70 ‘should face mandatory eyesight test’, says expert
Older motorists should be forced to take mandatory eyesight tests every three years in a major driving law shake-up, according to a leading expert.
Calls for strict new regulations have been made by Rob Heard, a Sergeant for Hampshire Constabulary and now chair and founder of the Older Drivers Forum.
Under the current rules, an eyesight test can be arranged by the DVLA if a motorist renewing their driving licence at 70 has a medical condition.
However, these checks are not a requirement for individuals considered to be fit and healthy meaning many cases may slip through the net.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Heard explained: “I basically sit on a National Taskforce called the Older Drivers Taskforce and we put out a report back in November 2021.
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“One of our recommendations to the Department for Transport was that we should at the age of 70 and every three years or when we renew our licence thereafter undertake an eyesight test with an optician.
“We feel the 20m number late test is antiquated and no longer fit for purpose, All it does is measure a certain distance.”
According to Government data, motorists above the age of 70 accounted for 23 percent of all road deaths in 2022.
Meanwhile, statistics show a further seven percent of all casualties were among this age group.
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However, younger drivers and new licence holders are still more dangerous with 17 to 29 years old accounting for 25 percent of all fatal collisions.
Mr Heard added: “90 percent of driving is visual. So we need to be able to see the hazards to be able to react to them.
“We estimate at the moment that around 3,000 people a year are killed or injured on our roads due to people with defective eyesight. It is a big issue.”
Police officers have had the power to take away driving licences on account of bad eyesight since 2013.
Cassie’s Law was introduced 10 years ago after 16-year-old Cassie McCord died when an 87-year-old man lost control of his car in Essex.
Rob added: “We know, the stats show that from 70 onwards the vast number of people who have their licences revoked by police by what’s called Cassie’s Law, as you get to 70 it really shoots up.
“More people at 70 and above are having this happening to them. It is so important. We are very much supportive of compulsory eyesight testing.”
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