We're one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting of eyesight problems that affect driving. As I'm over 70, I have to renew my driving licence every three years, and eyesight wise, all I have to do is declare that my eyesight is good enough for driving. I don't need to pass any official test, whatever I say is assumed to be totally honest.
I'm all in favour of a compulsory eye test. There must be lots of elderly drivers falsely claiming adequate vision, and they may be causing horrific accidents. People who live deep in the countryside and have little or no public transport may very well lie about their vision because they're very car-dependent.
Still, it's not something I need worry about just yet. I have to renew my licence next March and nothing is likely to change before then. I needn't worry again about my vision for another three years, by which time I may very well have decided to stop driving anyway. Also the new laws might only apply in England and Wales.
And because there are so many people in rural parts of Northern Ireland who're dependent on their cars but might fail an eye test, there could be pressure on the NI government not to introduce one, however much it's needed.
It's all very difficult to police. My older friend has good eyesight, but she had an affliction whereby the doctor told her not to drive until it had cleared up - I think she still drove! Her eyesight is fine again now.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's not just eyesight that affects the ability to drive safely at all times - my dad had lots of problems with his legs where his foot might have gotten stuck on the accelerator for too long! He gave up driving voluntarily. It's a tough one all round.
Sx
Ms Scarlet: The leg problems must have been really frustrating. And of course there's also the matter of general alertness and quick reflexes.
DeleteWe do have to pass a vision test every four years in my state and our license reflects whether we need corrective lenses.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: We also have to declare corrective lenses if worn.
DeleteWe also have to pass a vision test every four years. It's been this way since I started driving at 16. I think it's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteSandra: I'm surprised a vision test hasn't been introduced in the UK long ago.
DeleteIt's inconvenient and maybe scary, but obviously a good idea.
ReplyDeleteColette: It's certainly scary if you're very car-reliant but know you might not pass the eye test.
DeleteI need reading glasses for stuff up close but I still passed the eye test when I renewed my license.
ReplyDeleteMary: Nothing to worry about then....
DeleteThis seems like an unwise system. Driving by people who can't see properly poses huge risks to other people. While I'm sure most are honest, some elderly people are in denial about their physical decline and might well refuse to recognize if they have a worsening vision problem.
ReplyDeleteInfidel: Yes, and I suspect there's a lot more bogus declarations than people think.
DeleteI once met a woman who told me she drove through a parking lot to get to a stop light for entering the main road. I later learned that it's because she could not see oncoming traffic to safely make the turn elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteUmmmm. How did she safely make a left turn off the main road? I never rode with her again but we were not in my home state or hers so I didn't know how to report her as an unsafe driver.
Linda.
Linda: That sounds pretty alarming. I'm not surprised you never rode with her again.
DeleteIt's plain irresponsible to drive when your eye sight may be impaired [at any age].
ReplyDeleteIf an accident was caused I wonder if third party car insurance would cover the "damage".
As to living in the country side, dependent on a car, fork out on taxis.
U
Ursula: I think the insurance company would only pay for the other driver's costs, which is why it's called third party insurance. And yes, occasional taxis are probably no more expensive than running a car.
DeleteI’ve just been to the eye hospital 👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️ scary
ReplyDeleteJohn: Scary? How was it scary? Something wrong with your eyes?
DeleteJohn: Ah, I see you had a bleed in your eye. I hope you're now fully recovered.
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