When it comes to ageing, the main goal for most would be to age with dignity. Why? For the sole purpose of maintaining one’s self-respect, self-worth, and one’s sense of purpose. However, when it comes to the safety of others, how far are we willing to go? New medical test rules for senior drivers over the age of 70 will become the norm, bidding goodbye to self-certification as a result. Will the new norm truly impact road safety, and what effect will it have on drivers over the age of 70? Find out today.
These UK numbers do not lie
According to a report by Age UK, drivers in the UK are becoming increasingly older, and their numbers have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Of all licensed drivers in the UK in 2022/2023, between 13.6% and 14% were aged 70 or older. This means that nearly 6 million senior drivers fell into that category. Now, while senior drivers are not inherently more dangerous than other age groups, they are not without risk.
Certain factors associated with advanced age can affect driving ability. These factors include, but are not limited to:
- Health and medication
- Health problems and certain medications result in drowsiness and decreased reaction time, which affect driving ability
- Cognitive changes
- Memory problems and slower processing ability are associated with ageing, which impact the ability to process visual information, especially at junctions and roundabouts
- Mobility
- Physical limitations and pain decrease ability to use controls or to check mirrors
- Hearing and vision
- Deteriorating hearing and vision with ageing result in difficult to respond to the sound of important signals or to see hazards
Vision in particular has been of great concern, which is why new medical test rules are being considered.
New medical test rules for drivers aged 70+
Senior drivers aged 70 and over will now have to face compulsory eye tests instead of using self-certification to determine driver fitness. According to a report by the BBC, the new medical test rules followed suit after an investigation of four deaths caused by drivers with deteriorating eyesight. The event resulted in the coroner refer to the UK’s licensing system the “laxest in Europe.”
According to ILC UK, if 6 million senior drivers must be tested every three years, it would mean nearly 2 millions eye tests annually. Big hurdles that must be overcome, especially in rural areas, include:
- Uneven coverage
- Affordability for low-income individuals
- Digital exclusion
Embracing change does not come naturally to some
The new rules form part of a new road safety strategy, which the UK Government plans on publishing this autumn. Mandatory eye tests for senior drivers may be the new norm soon, but that does not mean that everyone will embrace the new rules. Great Yarmouth resident, Peter Browne, aged 73, confirmed in an interview with the BBC that he struggled to obtain an eye test appointment.
Mr. Browne confirmed that he has glaucoma and that he has reported it to the DVLA, but still continues to drive. He expressed his frustation, asking what many are most likely are thinking:
“If it was found that my eyesight was not of sufficient level to drive, would it be my fault or the NHS for not being able to give me an appointment?”
While locals from UK communities may not advocate for change, members of authority sure do. Among the supporters of the new medical test rules for senior drivers is Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader who believe it is necessary to make these eye tests mandatory. Ensure that you stay up to date on the latest news regarding new traffic laws in the UK. For more information about the changes to driving licence renewals, please have a look at the official statement from the UK Government.