ABDO has said it would support the introduction of compulsory vision checks for drivers aged 70-plus on renewal of their driving licence – a change widely expected to be included in the government’s new Road Safety Strategy due to be published this autumn.
Such a change in legislation has long-been called for by sector bodies and stakeholders – and came a step closer this April when transport secretary, Heidi Alexander MP, said she was “open to considering” compulsory sight tests for over-70s as part of Labour’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy for England and Wales.
The minister’s statement followed a Prevention of Future Deaths Report sent to her by Lincolnshire coroner, James Adeley, after an inquest into the deaths of four people killed by drivers with failing sight.
The coroner warned that enforcement of visual legal standards for motorists was “ineffective and unsafe” – and called the UK system “the laxest in Europe” – relying on self-declaration and “without the safeguards needed to prevent avoidable deaths”.
Currently, DVLA licences have to be renewed every 10 years for most drivers, and every three years for those aged 70 and over.
According to a BBC News report, also under consideration by the government are potential medical tests for conditions like dementia, and stricter rules for drink-driving.
ABDO clinical and policy director, Max Halford, said: “ABDO would welcome the introduction of compulsory vision checks for drivers aged over 70 as part of the government’s new road safety strategy. The current system has undoubtedly led to avoidable loss of life, and change is long overdue.
“We stand ready to work with the government and our sector partners to ensure that any new strategy protects the public from drivers who cannot meet the necessary visual standards. For those drivers who need spectacles or contact lenses to drive safely, we will continue to work in collaboration – and with our members – to highlight the importance of visual solutions for driving.”
ABDO has formed a working group to look at the issue, and sought feedback from members to help inform its position. Members can continue to share their views or raise any concerns by emailing policy@abdo.org.uk