{"id":246391,"date":"2023-11-26T04:49:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-26T04:49:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=246391"},"modified":"2023-11-26T04:49:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-26T04:49:21","slug":"older-drivers-above-age-of-70-should-face-mandatory-eyesight-test-says-expert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/car-reviews\/older-drivers-above-age-of-70-should-face-mandatory-eyesight-test-says-expert\/","title":{"rendered":"Older drivers above age of 70 \u2018should face mandatory eyesight test\u2019, says expert"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, these checks are not a requirement for individuals considered to be fit and healthy meaning many cases may slip through the net.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Heard explained: \u201cI basically sit on a National Taskforce called the Older Drivers Taskforce and we put out a report back in November 2021.\u00a0<\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Older drivers could be fined for taking medicines – full list of drugs<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cOne 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe feel the 20m number late test is antiquated and no longer fit for purpose, All it does is measure a certain distance.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Government data, motorists above the age of 70 accounted for 23 percent of all road deaths in 2022.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, statistics show a further seven percent of all casualties were among this age group.<\/p>\n

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