UK motorists could face major changes designed to improve road safety, including cognitive tests for older drivers.
The government has put road safety into the spotlight after it announced its first safety strategy earlier this year in a bid to cut ‘unacceptable’ deaths.
Proposals include lowering the drink-drive limit, cracking down on illegal ghost plates and uninsured drivers, and introducing a minimum learning period for learners. Y
Other measures that are being looked at also include mandatory eyesight tests for motorists when they turn 70.
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There are also plans for cognitive testing being brought in for older drivers as the UK’s population is ageing.
In February, there were over 2.3 million drivers aged 70 and over, with another 12 million aged 55 to 60 who have a driving licence.
At the moment, reporting any changes or problems to eyesight relies on motorists doing it themselves, which experts consider ineffective and could leave room for abuse.
Should older drivers face mandatory cognitive tests?
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Yes
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No
If approved, the cognitive tests would be mandatory for over-70s, although further details are yet to be revealed.
A consultation on the road safety measures ended yesterday, with ministers now looking into the responses before the next steps.
What has the reaction been?
Edmund King, the president of AA, said previously: ‘It is important that the Road Safety Review covers eyesight tests. The AA advises all drivers to have an eye test every two years, and we welcome mandatory eye tests for older drivers.
‘The likelihood of crashes increases once someone is over the age of 70 and markedly rises for those above the age of 80 to a peak at age 86, with eyesight often a worrying factor.
‘Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 and healthcare professionals advise them every two years given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions.’
A Department for Transport spokesperson told Metro: ‘We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and helps them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads.
‘As the country’s older population grows, our plans in the first Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade, will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives.’
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