Motorists have been warned current eyesight rules are ‘not adequate’ (Image: Getty)
Eyesight rules for drivers are “not adequate” according to experts – with urgent calls for over 70s to face new checks.
Older driver rules are “flawed” as as on UK roads.
Adam Sampson, chief executive of the , has warned that under current rules, elderly road users’ vision can “remain unchecked” in a possible safety risk.
Older motorists are not currently required to have an eyesight test to renew their at 70.
But with eyesight gradually decreasing with age, small changes in vision may be unrecognisable to motorists.
And this means many road users in what’s been deemed a major safety risk.
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Experts claim drivers should face an eyesight test at renewal (Image: Getty)
Adam explained: “In the UK, the number plate test is not an adequate test of vision.
“It is carried out only once with a driving instructor, not a trained eye health professional.
“A driver’s vision can then remain unchecked for the rest of their life.
“This approach is flawed and is out of step with many other countries who use a full sight test as the means to accurately ensure motorists have satisfactory vision to drive safely.”
New data shows that a whopping 26% of British drivers admit they are concerned about someone they know getting behind the wheel despite having poor eyesight.
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Meanwhile, almost one-third (31%) have had a near miss with a motorist they suspected had vision below the legal standard. It comes as the AOP calls on the Department for Transport to make a “long overdue change” to the number plate test.
Under current rules, motorists when they first start driving. However, experts are instead pushing for road users to be required to have an eye test when renewing their driving licence. This is usually every 10 years but over 70s are most affected with renewals every three years.
Adam added: “What is deeply worrying is that we have a decade’s worth of evidence to highlight the risks, and the growing concern of eye experts. Change is never easy. There was huge opposition to drink-driving laws and the mandatory use of seatbelts – but these interventions save lives.
“Our polling shows the majority of the public support the idea of mandatory regular sight tests for all drivers.”