‘Make roads safer’: Mandatory eyesight tests for elderly drivers ‘should be the norm’

The Older Drivers Task Force released a report in which it called on new measures to be introduced to protect and boost road safety for elderly drivers. It said the DVLA should require evidence of an eyesight test at age 75, with the DVLA, insurers and others should encourage vision checks every two years, particularly from age 60.

“Ultimately, age should not be the determining factor for how drivers are penalised.

“At RED, we encourage all drivers to have regular refresher training courses, especially for older and less confident drivers.

“We also encourage drivers to have an eye test every two years, as well as regularly checking their own vision by reading number plates from a distance of 20 metres.

“These practices should be the norm for all drivers to help make roads safer for everyone and avoid this two-tiered system which will inevitably form under these newly suggested schemes.

Despite the report, many elderly drivers were frustrated with the findings, saying older motorists were not the problem on roads.

Express.co.uk reader Jon Frederics said: “I don’t have problems driving, anticipating traffic ahead or eyesight issues.

“But, with the sheer amount of traffic now, I am more careful in my driving as there are plenty of tailgaters, undertakers and other idiots to look out for.”

Another driver, using the handle nrob, commented: “I am 75 and have no problem with having eye tests, in fact I have one every year and I think most people of my age group have an eye test at least every two years, so I cannot see what the problem is.

“As far as driving skills and road awareness I think my skills are no different to when I was in my 50’s.

“You also adapt, I do not drive as fast as I used to, I travel about less. The car tends to be a tool to get my shopping and meet friends.

“I see more reckless driving on the roads from younger people of all ages, especially speeding in built up areas.”